This Savory Cheddar and Ham Bake is a deliciously cheesy dish that makes for an excellent breakfast, brunch, or snack. Packed with flavors and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal at home.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Resting time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 25 g sugar (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 g salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 8 g baking powder (about 2 teaspoons)
- 8 g dried yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 80 g melted butter (about 1/3 cup)
- 450 ml milk (about 2 cups)
- 800 g all-purpose flour (about 6 1/2 cups)
For the Filling:
- 150 g cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 150 g ham, diced (about 1 cup)
- 80 g cream cheese (about 1/3 cup)
For the Topping:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 8 g white sesame seeds (about 1 tablespoon)
For the Sauce:
- 100 g mayonnaise (about 1/2 cup)
- 60 g ketchup (about 1/4 cup)
- 40 g mustard (about 2 tablespoons)
- 20 ml soy sauce (about 1 tablespoon)
- 40 g chili sauce (about 2 tablespoons)
- 15 ml lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
- 5 ml vinegar (about 1 teaspoon)
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 25 g sugar, 3 g salt, 8 g baking powder, and 8 g dried yeast until combined.
- Stir in 80 g melted butter and 450 ml milk until well mixed.
- Gradually add in 800 g of flour, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 15 minutes at 40°C (104°F).
- Prepare the Filling:
- Once the dough has rested, mix together 150 g grated cheddar cheese, 150 g diced ham, and 80 g cream cheese in a separate bowl.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to fit your baking dish.
- Spread the cheese and ham filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly to form a log and cut it into individual portions (about 5 cm each).
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the portions in a greased baking dish.
- Beat 1 egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with 8 g white sesame seeds.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine 100 g mayonnaise, 60 g ketchup, 40 g mustard, 20 ml soy sauce, 40 g chili sauce, 15 ml lemon juice, and 5 ml vinegar. Mix well and set aside for serving.
- Serve:
- Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty snack.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add some chopped herbs, like chives or parsley, to the filling for extra freshness.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein.
- Ham adds lean protein to help keep you satisfied.
- Milk and eggs contribute essential vitamins and nutrients.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy and eggs.
- Can be modified to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a filling, savory dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Perfect for using up leftover ham or cheese.
- Great for meal prep and easy to freeze for later use!
Conclusion:
This Savory Cheddar and Ham Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please your family and friends. With its cheesy filling and flaky crust, it makes for a perfect meal or snack any time of day. Enjoy this dish warm from the oven, and don’t forget to try the delicious sauce on the side!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or feta.
- What if I don’t have dried yeast? You can use instant yeast instead, but adjust the quantity based on package instructions.
- Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes! Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would make great additions.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked portions. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the ham and replace it with more vegetables or a meat substitute.
- What can I serve with this dish? A light salad, pickles, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
- How do I know when it’s done baking? It should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
- What can I substitute for milk? You can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk as a substitute.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.