Can I use pre-sliced cheese if I cannot find a whole brick for Fried Cheese with Ham?

Yes, you can also use deli slices instead of a brick for Fried Cheese with Ham. However, you must make sure that the slices hold together well. If the slices are not perfectly even, I recommend you cut the sides to make them even so the breading adheres properly and the cheese melts uniformly inside the crispy breading.

Recipes

Fried Cheese with Ham

Fried Cheese with Ham is the definition of comfort food, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. In this recipe, I combine melted and creamy cheese with savory ham, all encased in a delicious crispy breading. Whether you prefer deep frying, shallow frying, or using an air fryer, the result is a golden, crunchy exterior with a gooey, satisfying center. This versatile dish is excellent served as a main course with sides like tartar sauce and roasted potatoes, or enjoyed as a hearty sandwich. It is a meal that will truly change your perception of comfort food.

Tom the Chef Founder

Published:
January 11, 2026

Before You Start

Let’s talk about important parts of the recipe before you start…

Introduction to Fried Cheese with Ham

Fried cheese will change your perception of comfort food. Melted and creamy cheese in a delicious crispy breading, filled with delicious ham is the best description of this meal. Fried Cheese with Ham is great as a sandwich or with a side of your choice as a main course! I am excited to show you how to prepare this versatile dish using simple tools like a French whisk and a cooling rack.

Selecting the Perfect Cheese

For my Fried Cheese with Ham recipe, the choice of cheese is fundamental to achieving that melted and creamy texture we all love. I recommend using 1 LB of cheese, preferably a whole brick. While Edam Cheese is the most often used variety for this dish, I know it can sometimes be hard to get in the USA. Therefore, you can confidently choose between Monterey Jack or Swiss Cheese as excellent alternatives. If you cannot find a brick, you can also use deli slices, but you must make sure that the slices hold together well. If the slices are not perfectly even, I suggest cutting the sides to make them even to ensure a uniform shape for breading.

Preparing the Cheese Sandwich Filling

The “sandwich” element is what makes this Fried Cheese with Ham stand out from standard breaded cheese recipes. To prepare this, I cut the cheese brick into 8 slices, about ¼” thick. The filling consists of 8 slices of ham. While any kind of ham will work, I personally prefer boiled ham for its texture and flavor profile. However, if you are feeling adventurous or want a different flavor, you can optionally substitute the ham with salami of any kind. To assemble, I simply place two slices of ham or salami between two slices of cheese to create a sturdy cheese sandwich ready for the breading station.

Mastering the Breading Station

A well-organized breading station is crucial for a successful Fried Cheese with Ham. I set up three distinct areas. First, I place ½ cup of all-purpose flour on a plate (adjusting if needed). Second, in a medium mixing bowl, I prepare the egg mixture by whisking together 2 eggs and 1 ½ cups of milk until combined, which takes about 1 minute. Third, I place 2 cups of regular breadcrumbs into a second mixing bowl. For the best crispy breading, I preferably use Panko or breadcrumbs from light bread. This setup ensures a smooth workflow before we start the actual coating process.

The Double Breading Technique

To ensure the cheese does not leak during frying, the breading process for Fried Cheese with Ham must be thorough. I bread each cheese sandwich one-by-one from both sides in a specific order: first into the flour, then the egg-milk mixture, and then the breadcrumbs. Crucially, I repeat the last two steps: dipping it again into the egg-milk mixture and again into the breadcrumbs. This double coating is an important step. You must make sure that every single side of the cheese is evenly breaded. It is important for the cheese to not start melting outside the breading during frying.

Frying Methods: Deep, Shallow, and Air Frying

I have designed this Fried Cheese with Ham recipe to be flexible with your equipment. If you choose to deep fry, preheat oil to 350°F and fry immersed until a nice golden color is reached (about 4 minutes with no turning). For shallow frying, preheat a pan on medium-high with ¼ to ½” of oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side, being careful as the cheese becomes fragile. If you prefer air frying, preheat your air fryer to 350°F, drizzle the top of the cheese with oil, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, drizzling with more oil if needed. Regardless of the method, always ensure the schnitzels are not touching during preparation.

Plating and Serving Suggestions

Once the Fried Cheese with Ham creates that nice golden color, I let the excessive oil drip off on a cooling rack or paper towels for about one minute. For the final touch, I sprinkle it with salt and pepper, ideally freshly ground. This dish is best served with Oven-Roasted Potato Wedges, a side salad, or my Czech Tartar Sauce Tatarka Recipe. Alternatively, you can serve it as a sandwich in a bun with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. It is a truly versatile meal that fits any craving for comfort food.

Recipe

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