Ham and Gouda

• The smooth texture and characteristic flavor of Gouda complement salty ham in a classic sandwich. Whether you want to enjoy your ham-and-cheese sandwich cold or grilled, spread the bread with your favorite mustard and include some peppery salad leaves, such as arugula or watercress, as well as sliced ripe tomatoes. These extra ingredients add some nice crunch and sweetness to a cold sandwich, and if grilled, will wilt and meld in with the melted cheese. Use thick-cut country ham, or thinner slices piled high. Canadian bacon and crispy regular bacon also work.

Gouda With Apples

• Crisp slices of apple offer a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Gouda when they are paired together in a sandwich. Grill the sandwich for just long enough to melt the cheese, and the apples should remain firm. If you use sharp, green apples, such as Granny Smiths, include a drizzle of honey. Onions, cooked or raw, give another dimension of flavor to a Gouda and apple sandwich. Soak raw, thinly sliced red or yellow onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them before adding to a sandwich. Caramelized onions take a little time to prepare but are a delicious addition. Make a sandwich spread by blending grated Gouda, grated apples and sliced green onions with a little mayonnaise or sour cream. Spread on a crusty baguette and top with freshly ground black pepper.

Garlic Grill Melt

• Make your own decadent deli-style melt at home by layering Gouda over your favorite cold cuts. Spread one side of thick slices of rye bread with garlic butter and broil to toast. Spread the other sides with thousand island dressing; next add avocado slices to one piece of bread and a generous pile of sliced turkey, roast beef, ham or pastrami to the other. Melt a slice or two of Gouda over the top of each side under the broiler, and join the two topped slices of bread together as a thick, gooey sandwich that calls for plenty of napkins. A side salad makes it a complete meal, but crispy French fries are even better. Chicken, tuna and egg salad all make good substitutes for the cold cuts.

Monte Cristo

• The Monte Cristo is an unusual offering that takes a bit more effort to prepare than most sandwiches, but is a worthy showcase for Gouda's meltability. Recipes vary, but most include turkey and ham. Prepare a regular turkey and ham sandwich with sliced white bread, spreading mayonnaise and mustard on the bread if you wish. Include several slices of Gouda on each side of and in between the turkey and ham layers. Compact the sandwich by pressing on it, or wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for better results. This seemingly regular sandwich becomes something special when you soak it in a batter of beaten egg and milk, then fry it in a skillet in the manner of French toast. The outsides become golden while the cheese inside melts and seals the layers together. Make a Monte Cristo sandwich even more eccentric with a final dusting of powdered sugar and side serving of jelly.