Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a delightful and satisfying meal with this Easy Baked Ham and Cheese recipe! It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers big on flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless yet elegant dish—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend brunch.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of savory and salty flavors. The creamy cheese melts beautifully over the tender ham, creating a comforting and irresistible combination. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, requiring no special skills or equipment. The readily available ingredients make it a budget-friendly and accessible choice for everyone. Minimal effort equals maximum deliciousness—that’s the magic of this recipe!
Key Ingredients
🍖 1 lb thinly sliced deli ham
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥚 4 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3️⃣ Layer half of the ham slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the ham.
5️⃣ Repeat layers with the remaining ham and cheese.
6️⃣ Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ham and cheese.
7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
8️⃣ Let the baked ham and cheese cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Feel free to substitute your favorite type of ham, such as honey ham or smoked ham, for a different flavor profile.
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, and Swiss.
- If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with cream or half-and-half.
- Don’t overbake! Overbaking will result in a dry and rubbery texture.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving a perfectly set egg mixture and melted cheese without overcooking the ham. Keep an eye on the dish after 25 minutes. The edges will start to set, and the center will still be slightly jiggly when it’s done. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
Crunch Factor
This recipe doesn’t focus on a crunchy texture; instead, it delivers a delightful combination of soft, creamy cheese and tender ham. The slight browning on top adds a touch of textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even cooking, ensure the ham slices are relatively uniform in thickness.
- To save time, pre-shred your cheese the day before.
- For a flavor boost, add a sprinkle of Dijon mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the egg mixture.
- Cleanup is a breeze! Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaning.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but individual portions could be prepared in ramekins for a special brunch gathering. You could tie pretty ribbons around the ramekins or add small decorative tags.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture.
🌟 Herby Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or dill into the egg mixture for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Substitute feta cheese for cheddar and add sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the layers.
🌟 Gourmet Upgrade: Use a higher-quality ham, such as prosciutto or serrano ham, and top with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Texture: If the baked ham and cheese is too dry, try reducing the baking time slightly next time or adding a tablespoon or two of cream to the egg mixture.
- Soggy Bottom: Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and a soggy bottom.
- Uneven Cooking: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use different cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses.
- How can I scale the recipe? Double or triple the ingredients proportionally to make a larger batch.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to bake this dish just before serving, but you can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? No, this recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese). To make it gluten-free, ensure your ham doesn’t contain gluten-based additives.
Conclusion
Enjoy this Easy Baked Ham and Cheese recipe! It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Ham & Cheese Heaven: Baked to Perfection
A delightful dish combining savory ham, melted cheese, and a crispy topping, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, preferably sourdough or whole grain
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the bread slices in a greased baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the diced ham over the bread layer, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, then pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the egg mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.