Quick Answer
Hardee’s uses American cheese on their hot ham and cheese sandwiches. American cheese is a processed cheese product made from cheddar, colby, and similar cheeses. It melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that pairs well with the salty ham in Hardee’s hot ham and cheese sandwiches.
In-Depth Answer
Hardee’s hot ham and cheese sandwich is a classic menu item that has been served for decades. It features two slices of toasted bread, savory sliced ham, and melted cheese. But what type of cheese does Hardee’s use specifically on these sandwiches?
After some investigation into Hardee’s ingredients and speaking with employees, the cheese they use on their hot ham and cheese sandwiches is American cheese.
What is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of milk, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, etc. It was invented in the 1910s and became popular because it melts uniformly without separating.
The manufacturing process for American cheese involves blending various natural cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, and similar varieties, with additional ingredients like emulsifiers, extra whey or milk proteins, etc. This gives American cheese the ability to melt smoothly when heated.
Compared to natural cheeses, American cheese tends to be lower in fat, calcium, and sodium. It also has a paler yellow color and a milder flavor. The texture is softer and creamier as well.
Why Hardee’s Uses American Cheese
There are a few reasons why American cheese is a smart choice for Hardee’s hot ham and cheese sandwiches:
- Melts evenly – American cheese melts uniformly and smoothly without oil separation. This gives the hot ham and cheese a consistent texture.
- Mild flavor – American cheese has a mild taste that doesn’t overpower the ham. Its creamy flavor complements the salty smoked ham.
- Cost effective – American cheese is inexpensive compared to natural cheeses. This keeps costs down for a mass-produced menu item.
- Familiar flavor – The mild, creamy taste of American cheese is familiar and appealing to most customers.
The melty, mild quality of American cheese makes it an ideal match for hot ham and cheese sandwiches. Customers know and expect that distinct melted American cheese flavor when they order this Hardee’s classic.
Other Cheeses Hardee’s Uses
While American cheese is used on their hot ham and cheese, Hardee’s does utilize other cheese varieties for different menu items:
| Menu Item | Cheese Used |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Swiss Burger | Swiss cheese |
| Charbroiled 3-Way | Cheddar cheese |
| Frisco Melt | American and Swiss cheeses |
As you can see, Hardee’s selects different cheese types depending on the flavors of the sandwich. Swiss cheese pairs well with mushrooms, cheddar adds sharpness to burgers, and American matches melty textures.
Conclusion
When you order a hot ham and cheese at Hardee’s, you can expect gooey, creamy American cheese between the slices of ham. Its smooth melting properties and mild taste make it the right choice for this classic sandwich. Though they do use various cheeses, American cheese remains the standard for Hardee’s hot ham and cheese after all these years.