24 Best Ham and Cheese Recipes for the Ultimate Savory Pairing
Go beyond the lunchbox sandwich.
There are a few classic food pairings that just feel so right: peanut butter and jelly, bead and butter, coffee and doughnuts. But nothing compares to the most savory pairing of all: ham and cheese! Whether they're together in a sandwich or croissant, salty ham and melty cheese are a match made in heaven. And there are so many other 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. 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.
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. You can use leftover ham from a big holiday meal or grab some from your local deli counter. No matter how you slice it, these ideas are just what you'll crave. 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 twist is filled with ham and gruyère, topped with a layer of béchamel sauce, then broiled. The sandwich is then dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet and savory brunch delight.
Get the Monte Cristo recipe.
Muffuletta Pinwheels
Try this bite-sized take on the famous New Orleans sandwich. They're packed with layers of ham and provolone, plus mortadella, salami, green olive salad, and cream cheese. They're perfect as a game day snack or for an easy lunch.
Get Ree's Muffuletta Pinwheels 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 puff pastry filled with Dijon mustard, ham, and white cheddar.
Get Ree's Ham and Cheese Croissants recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Introducing your new favorite tailgate treat! These sliders feature pillowy dinner rolls layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a spicy honey mustard mayo. Bake in the oven and sprinkle 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. As if the combination of crescent roll dough, sharp cheddar, gruyere, and ham couldn't get any better, these rolls also include a tangy layer of ranch cream cheese.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Fluffy ham and cheese quiche is the best wake-up call. This simple, savory breakfast calls for a store-bought crust and a filling made of eggs, ham, cheddar, and shallots so it's easy to assemble.
Get the Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe.
Croque Monsieur
Here's another classic French sandwich! 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
Make frittata 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 baked pasta, ham tetrazzini is the answer. Spaghetti is coated in a creamy sauce as well as ham and peas. The pasta bake is sprinkled with a cheesy breadcrumb mixture and baked until 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.
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