Ham sandwiches don’t have to be plain—choosing the right cheese can turn lunch into a treat. Bold and creamy, these cheeses enhance the salty sweetness of ham.
Some melt into gooey perfection while others layer subtle flavor depth.
This list features 15 cheeses that make ham sandwiches rich, satisfying, and memorable.
1. Gruyère
Swiss-born and aged, this cheese brings nutty, slightly sweet richness. It melts beautifully, creating that golden, stretchy goodness between bread and ham.
Its complex flavor adds depth without overpowering the main ingredients. A classic choice for grilled ham and cheese fans.
2. Brie
Creamy and indulgent, Brie softens over ham for a luxurious texture contrast. Its mild mushroomy taste pairs well with subtle saltiness.
Spread it thick for buttery richness or slice it thin for balanced flavor. This cheese elevates a simple sandwich into a refined bite.
3. Havarti
Danish Havarti brings buttery, tangy notes and a smooth creaminess. It melts into a silky layer that complements smoked or honey ham.
Tiny air pockets add light texture that feels fresh and soft. This cheese bridges sharpness and creaminess with ease.
4. Cheddar
Sharp or mild, cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor that stands up to sweet ham. Its crumbly texture becomes melty warmth when toasted.
Aged versions deepen the taste with savory complexity and shine. Perfect for those craving strong, familiar comfort.
5. Gouda
Dutch Gouda offers caramel hints and rich creaminess that shine in a sandwich. Its melting quality offers a smooth, mellow hug for ham.
Young Gouda is mild and buttery, while aged packs richer notes. A versatile favorite for classic or gourmet twists.
6. Fontina
Italian Fontina adds earthy, nutty richness and smooth meltiness. It blends elegantly with ham without stealing the spotlight.
Its flavors echo mild garlic and toasted grain—subtle yet satisfying. Ideal for pressed sandwiches with soft, flowing cheese layers.
7. Swiss
Classic Swiss cheese features sweet, nutty tones with signature holes and gentle melt. It complements ham’s savoriness without overwhelming flavor.
Its clean taste keeps sandwiches approachable for all ages. A time-tested favorite that feels familiar and delightful.
8. Provolone
Mild and slightly smoky, provolone offers balanced flavor and creamy texture. It melts into silky ribbons that hug the ham layers.
Aged varieties bring sharper notes for a bolder bite. Pair with deli ham for an Italian-inspired midday treat.
9. Muenster
Soft and mild with a subtle tang, Muenster melts into gooey goodness. Its pliable texture creates comforting layers that blend perfectly with ham.
The rind brings just a whisper of earthiness to balance sweeter notes. Great choice for simple ham and cheese toasts.
10. Blue Cheese
Bold and crumbly, blue cheese adds piquant, sharp character to mild ham. Its notes of tang and salt bring gourmet flair to every bite.
Crumbled sparingly, it brightens sandwiches without overpowering. Try with honeyed ham for a sweet-savory dance.
11. Camembert
French Camembert brings soft, edible rind and a rich, buttery interior. Its mushroomy depth pairs beautifully with smoky or baked ham.
Sliced thick, it oozes luxe texture and mellow flavor. Ideal for when a sandwich needs a touch of elegance.
12. Taleggio
Aged Italian cheese with pungent aroma and creamy sapidity. It melts into velvety layers that add savory intensity to ham.
Its fruity tang and rind complexity balance richer meats. Perfect for adventurous eaters seeking bold texture and taste.
13. Monterey Jack
Creamy and mild, Monterey Jack melts into smooth, soothing layers. Its buttery profile highlights ham without crowding the palate.
Pepper Jack, its spicy counterpart, adds jalapeño warmth if extra kick is desired. A reliable, kid-friendly option for everyday sandwiches.
14. Pepper Jack
Jack cheese with jalapeños delivers playful spice and creamy comfort. The peppers bring mild heat that complements ham’s natural sweetness.
It melts smoothly, keeping pockets of peppery zing intact. Ideal for those craving flavor with a bit of fire.
15. Emmental
Old-world Emmental offers nutty flavor with sweet undertones and robust melt. Its firm but pliable texture creates satisfying cheese layers.
It balances sweet and savory with elegance. A refined alternative to standard Swiss that elevates ham sandwiches.