Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich Question

[Seraph]

I'm having Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches for dinner tonight, and for the life of me I can't think of anything that really compliments it besides soup, or the usual side of tomato soup. We bought really good ham and cheese to do this with, but couldn't think of a good side at the store. Days have passed, and no other good idea has come to mind. I was thinking of some quality item, and not just potato chips or something...

Anyone have any ideas? Best reply gets a cookie.



Edit: Also, is there a type of cheese you specifically use? I've gotten away from just using 'american cheese' since it's crap, but when selecting from real cheeses, it's kinda up in the air which are better than others.

[Wulfgang]

Tomato Soup is the answer; for sophistication, buy a quart of good tomato basil soup or a potato leek or something. It's winter, can't go wrong with soup.

[Norellicus]

Tomato soup is really my preference for a complementary dish with grilled cheese, with or without ham, heh.

[Kiro]

Agreed. Grilled cheese & tomato soup = happyface.

[tyven]

AND RICE

[Seraph]

Meh, we are doing stew tomorrow, so I kinda wanted to stay away from soups today.

the only reason I ask is because I don't think I have ever had a heated/grilled/fried sandwich like this without either soup or chips as a side to it. Made me wonder if anyone really eats these with anything besides soup...

>_>

[quannum]

you need something acidic

tomato soup like others said

cucumber+tomato raita

sliced up avocado & apple, sprinkle with lemon juice n fleur de sel

fruit salad, with fresh oranges (not the canned in syrup stuff)

[Seraph]

Maybe lemon-pepper rice or something?

[Avanarius]

pasta works quite well

[wintersquall]

sharp cheddar is the answer to your cheese question, especially with ham.

a light pasta salad of some sort (with vinegar involved) would get you away from the soup.

[izembo]

my preference is always swiss with ham

[Zeb]

Screw your tomato soup. New England clam chowda is the way to go.

[Kiro]

With grilled cheese? Blargh. With like.. a tuna melt or something. Yosh.

[Elesirdur]

I would also say that throwing a few slices of tomato into the sandwich makes a world of delicious difference. Grilled ham, cheese, and tomato ftw.

A green salad with a citrus dressing might be nice as a side to offset the heavier nature of a grilled cheese and meat sandwich. Mixed romaine and red lettuce, some cucumber and bell pepper slices with a dressing of olive oil, balsamic, a few drops of lemon and some fresh mint or basil would be very nice.

[BadKarma]

Steak Fries

[Xfaustx]

Could do a cold tomato soup, aka a gazpacho. they're always very tasty and a slight variation on your average warm tomato soup. plus you can make it fresh easily.

[Chicomagiko]

Ham and jarlsberg with a bowl of chili on the side work for me though I'm usually content with just the sandwich.

[finalwolf]

if you like cucumbers and tomatoes, make a salad out of them
basically chop them up, put into a bowl, add some herb/spices, balsamic vinegar, bit of oil if you prefer (i generally don't add oil), mix everything, put it in the fridge and let it chill.
Nice and crisp, has the acidity that complements a sandwich.

[Daydreamer]

I really enjoy a sammich with soup, but if you must differ I think someone suggested a pasta salad, and that sounds grand. Here's a nice simple but tasty one.


Pasta (SALT THE WATER) - a spiral shape works well to hold the other ingredients
Olive Oil, extra virgin for this if you can spare it
Kalamata Olives, or whatever olive you like - seedless
Feta or Goat cheese
Fresh basil - chiffonade
Fresh tomatoes, concase - that is, diced, peeled, and seeded.

Add as much or as little of each as you like, mix, and serve. It's simple and awesome. If you need to add more Kosher salt.

I apologize for my spelling in this post, as I have been drinking and don't care to spell check.



Btw, for the ham, I'd go with a mix of regular style, but high quality ham, and prosciutto, and also a blend of cheese, maybe a nice Gruyere and cheddar, yeah, that's be nice. I think I'd like this on fresh sourdough grilled like a grilled cheese. Butter on the outside pieces of bread, with some spicy mustard (just a liiiiiiittttle to compliment and not overwhelm) on the inside. Gahhhh I might have to make this on sunday, it sounds awesome.

[Kaylia]

Someone need to delete this thread, it makes me hungry.