23 Best Ham and Cheese Recipes That Prove It’s the Best Pairing
They go beyond the classic lunchbox sandwich!
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Peanut butter and jelly. Bread and butter. Coffee and donuts. These are a few of the best food pairings that just feel so right. But nothing compares to the most savory pairing of all: ham and cheese! Whether they're in a sandwich or croissant, salty ham and melty cheese are a match made in heaven. And there are so many ham and cheese recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that reflect their culinary compatibility on this list!
Speaking of breakfast, you'll find a variety of ham and cheese recipes that make for the ideal wake-up call below. Think ham and cheese quiche, ham and cheese frittata, and croque monsieur. After all, the only thing better than ham and cheese is ham, cheese, and egg! Ree Drummond is all about the classics, so there are tons of ham and cheese sandwich recipes on this list. But rest assured they go beyond the basic lunchbox filler! There are sweet and spicy ham and cheese sliders, the powdered sugar-dusted Monte Cristo, and even a ham, Swiss, and pear panini that makes use of any leftover ham.
Plus, pasta lovers will appreciate the many carb-loaded recipes like golden-brown baked ham tetrazzini and colorful pasta salad with cubed ham and cheddar. Getting hungry? Read on for even more of the best ham and cheese recipes that prove it's the perfect pairing!
Monte Cristo
This isn't your average ham and cheese sandwich! The classic French sandwich is filled with ham and gruyère cheese, topped with a layer of béchamel sauce, then broiled. The sandwich is dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam for a sweet and savory brunch delight!
Get the Monte Cristo recipe.
Ham and Cheese Croissants
It's almost easier to make this savory pastry at home than it is to pick it up from a bakery! These crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside croissants feature Dijon mustard, ham, and white cheddar wrapped inside sesame-sprinkled puff pastry and baked to perfection.
Get Ree's Ham and Cheese Croissants recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Introducing your new favorite tailgate treat! These big-batch sliders feature pillowy dinner rolls layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a spicy honey mustard mayo. The sandwiches are baked in the oven and sprinkled with poppy seeds and chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These pretty pinwheels make for the ultimate snack or app! As if the combination of crescent roll dough, sharp cheddar, gruyere, and ham couldn't get any better, these rolls also include a tasty and tangy layer of ranch cream cheese.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Fluffy ham and cheese quiche is the ultimate wake-up call. This simple, savory breakfast calls for a store-bought crust and an easy filling made of eggs, ham, cheddar, and shallots.
Get the Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe.
Croque Monsieur
Here's another classic French sandwich that'll take your tastebuds to paradise! Ham, gruyère, dijon mustard, and béchamel sauce are sandwiched between two slices of bread, coated in even more béchamel and cheese, and broiled until the top is melty and blistered.
Get the Croque Monsieur recipe.
Ham and Cheese Frittata With Caramelized Onions
Freshly-baked frittata will be the guest of honor at your next brunch! This ham and cheese recipe features eggs, potatoes, ham, cheese, and chives, baked until lightly golden on top and sprinkled with even more chopped chives.
Get Ree's Ham and Cheese Frittata recipe.
Ham Tetrazzini
Whether you're looking for a way to use up leftover ham or simply craving a baked pasta dish, ham tetrazzini is the answer! In this dish, spaghetti is coated in a creamy sauce made of three types of cheese—parmesan, Swiss, and cream cheese—as well as ham and peas. The pasta bake is sprinkled with a cheesy breadcrumb mixture and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Get the Ham Tetrazzini recipe.
Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini
You're typical ham and cheese sandwich has nothing on this loaded panini. It consists of a ciabatta roll covered in a herby cream cheese spread and piled high with thinly sliced ham, Swiss, and pear.
Get Ree's Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Potatoes may be a side dish, but you'll want these to be the focus of your plate! Unlike typical scalloped potatoes, these feature two types of cheese—cheddar and Monterey jack—as well as sliced ham for a bubbly, baked slice of heaven.
Get Ree's Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe.
Pasta with Ham, Leeks, and Spinach
For a ham and cheese recipe that doubles as an easy weeknight dinner, try your hand at this fettuccine dish! It's chock full of chopped ham steak, leeks, and lots of shredded parmesan.
Get Ree's Pasta with Ham, Leeks, and Spinach recipe.
Breakfast Casserole
Ham and cheese are delicious at any time of day, but there's no denying how perfect the combo is for breakfast. This crispy casserole, loaded with ham, cheese, croissants, peppers, and onions, is proof!
Get Ree's Breakfast Casserole recipe.
Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls
This holiday-ready ham dish will be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering! Instead of plating your honey-glazed ham by itself, serve it alongside Swiss cheese, seasoned rolls, and marmalade.
Ravioli Primavera
Instead of tossing that box of cheese ravioli with jarred marinara, whip up this easy sauce with broccoli, asparagus, peas, cream, and chicken broth! Toss in some ham, pesto, and parmesan, and you have an easy and balanced pasta dinner.
Get Ree's Ravioli Primavera recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This ham and cheese pasta salad was made for your next potluck! Bow tie pasta, green onions, peppers, peas, cubed ham, and cheese make for a light and bright bite.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Green Eggs and Ham
This nostalgically named breakfast skillet is an elevated take on the Dr. Seuss dish! Instead of green food coloring, it gets its hue from kale and herbs, mixed with eggs, cheddar, parm, and breakfast ham slices and baked until set.
Get the Green Eggs and Ham recipe.
Warm Cuban Sandwich Dip
Ree is all about her party dips, so this bubbling, Cuban sandwich-inspired dip is right up her alley. It has all the elements of a classic Cuban sandwich, like ham, pickles, and cheese, with the bread served on the side for dipping.
Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole
Instead of serving your eggs and hash browns separately, bake them all together with ham and cheese for the ultimate breakfast casserole!
Get the Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.
Ham and Cheese Empanadas
If you like ham and cheese croissants and empanadas, you'll love this finger food that combines the best of the two recipes. Instead of traditional fillings, the empanada discs are filled with ham, mozzarella, Swiss, and caramelized onions and served with a side of ranch.
Get the Ham and Cheese Empanadas recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Ham, Egg, and Cheese Brunch Cups
It doesn't get easier (or tastier) than these brunch cups! Just layer puff pastry, egg, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce in a muffin tin and bake until golden brown.
Get the Ham, Egg, and Cheese Brunch Cups recipe at Pinch of Yum.
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