Turn leftover ham into something unforgettable with this ham grilled cheese sandwich idea. It's crispy, gooey, and loaded with flavor making it the ultimate comfort food you can whip up in minutes.
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Whenever I have leftover ham from a big family dinner, I'm always thinking about creative ways to use it up. Sure, reheating ham slices works, but that gets boring fast. That's when I turn to this ham grilled ham and cheese. It's simple, satisfying, and so much better than a standard ham sandwich.
Grilled cheese is already a favorite, but adding leftover air fryer ham takes it to the next level. Combining the sandwich with air fried potato wedges creates a quick comfort food meal. Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't feel like doing much in the kitchen.
I also love how versatile this meal is. You can switch up the bread, try different cheeses, or even toss in a little extra flavor with mustard or pickles. It's one of those recipes that's hard to mess up. I like to make it when my family just wants something warm and delicious without overthinking dinner.
Ingredients
To make the ultimate ham grilled cheese, the right ingredients are key. These simple ingredients come together to create a quick, satisfying meal packed with flavor.
- Sturdy country white bread - Sturdy bread holds up well to the weight of the ham and melted cheese, creating a crispy, golden crust.
- Thinly sliced ham - Thin slices of leftover ham heat quickly and evenly, adding savory flavor without overpowering the sandwich.
- Sliced Swiss cheese (I used Emmental) - Swiss cheese, especially Emmental, melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty ham.
- Unsalted butter - Softened butter spreads easily on the bread, ensuring an evenly browned and crispy exterior when grilled.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make a leftover ham grilled cheese that's crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with savory flavor.
On a wooden chopping board, cut 2 (½ inch thick) slices of country bread using a bread knife. Get the largest part at the center
Add 1 slice of cheese, 2 slices of leftover ham, and top with another slice of cheese.
2 slices of leftover ham
top with another slice of cheese.
Generously spread butter on bread and transfer to a pan, butter side down. Spread the remaining butter on the other slice of the bread. Top with butter side facing up.
Heat pan over low-medium heat. Flip once the bread turns golden and immediately lower heat to low. Turn off heat once bread turns golden brown, the leftover ham is warm, and the cheese has melted slightly.
Hint: cook the sandwich over medium heat to ensure the cheese melts fully without burning the bread; covering the pan for a minute or two can also help the cheese melt faster and evenly.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize your grilled ham and cheese recipe:
- Change the Cheese - Swap Swiss for cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella to create a different flavor profile.
- Add a Spread - Try Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or even a thin layer of garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Incorporate Veggies - Add thinly sliced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for freshness.
- Boost the Crunch - Layer in a few pickle slices or crispy fried onions for added texture.
- Go Sweet and Savory - Add a touch of fruit jam, like fig or apricot, to balance the saltiness of the ham.
- Make It Spicy - Add a dash of hot sauce or a few slices of pickled jalapeños for heat.
- Use Specialty Bread - Switch up the bread with sourdough, rye, or brioche for a different taste and texture.
Try adding leftover ham to my cranberry brie grilled cheese. It's a delicious way to enjoy holiday leftovers.
Tips
Top tip: Don't overload the sandwich. You should keep the layers thin so the cheese melts evenly and the sandwich stays easy to handle.
- Use room temperature butter - Softened butter spreads more easily and evenly, ensuring a golden, crispy crust.
- Preheat your pan - Start with a hot skillet to create a perfect sear on the bread without overcooking the filling.
- Press gently while cooking - Use a spatula to press down slightly, helping the cheese melt faster and the bread brown evenly.
- Cook on medium heat - Too high a heat can burn the bread before the cheese has time to melt; medium heat is ideal.
- Let it rest briefly - Allow the sandwich to sit for a minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly and doesn't ooze out too quickly.
- Cut with a sharp knife - A clean cut makes for better presentation and keeps the filling from sliding out.
Serving suggestions
When serving, keep it simple with a classic pairing like a hot bowl of slow cooker tomato soup. The tangy, rich flavor of the soup perfectly complements the savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, making for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
If you're looking for a lighter side, consider serving the sandwich with a crisp apple salad. A mix of kale, apples, and almonds with a sweet vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the sandwich.
For a heartier meal, pair your sandwich with roasted vegetables or seasoned fries. Sweet potato fries, in particular, offer a nice contrast with their slightly sweet flavor and crispy texture. You could also serve it alongside a small charcuterie-style plate with pickles, olives, and a dollop of mustard for dipping, which adds an extra punch of flavor to every bite.
Storage
To store a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container. This helps prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy. You can refrigerate the sandwich for up to 2 days, making it convenient for meal prepping or enjoying later.
When it's time to reheat, the best method is using a skillet or toaster oven to keep the bread crisp. Heat the sandwich on medium-low in a skillet for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and the cheese is melted. If you're short on time, you can use a microwave, but be aware that the bread may lose its crunch.
FAQs
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is a classic option, you can use cheddar, gouda, provolone, or even brie for a richer flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses is a great way to customize the sandwich.
A sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or country bread works best because it holds up well during grilling and adds a satisfying crunch. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it may get too soggy.
Make sure to use thin slices of ham and pat them dry if they're too moist. Also, spreading a thin, even layer of butter on the outside of the bread helps create a golden, crisp exterior while preventing sogginess.
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Recipe
Ham Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices sturdy country white bread
- 2 slices ham thinly sliced
- 2 slices Swiss cheese I used Emmental
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- On a wooden chopping board, cut 2 (½ inch thick) slices of country bread using a bread knife. Get the largest part at the center.
- Add 1 slice of cheese, 2 slices of leftover ham, and top with another slice of cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread. Generously spread butter on top and transfer to a pan, butter side down. Spread the remaining butter on the other side of the bread, side facing up.
- Heat pan over low-medium heat (around 248°F/120°C). Be ready to flip once butter begins to sizzle, after 1 to 2 minutes.
- Flip the sandwich once the bread turns golden and immediately lower the heat to 140°F/60°C. After 2 to 3 minutes, toff the heat once the bread turns golden brown, the leftover ham is warm, and the cheese has slightly melted.
- Transfer the grilled cheese sandwich with leftover ham to a wooden chopping board and allow to cool for 1 minute. Then slice in half and enjoy.
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