Okay, so you know how sometimes you just want something that’s savory, cheesy, and just plain comforting? That’s exactly what this Ham and Cheese Ring Bread is all about! I’ve been making this for ages, and it’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy. It looks so pretty, all coiled up like a golden crown, and the smell when it’s baking? Oh my goodness. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast, a lovely addition to brunch, or even just a satisfying afternoon snack. Seriously, it’s a winner!
Why You'll Love This Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Seriously, this recipe is a keeper! Here’s why you’ll want to make it ASAP:
- So Easy to Whip Up: Even if you’re new to bread making, you can totally nail this.
- That Ham & Cheese Combo: It’s just pure comfort food – salty ham and gooey cheddar? Yes, please!
- Perfect for Any Time: Breakfast, brunch, snack time, lunch… it fits right in everywhere.
- Looks Amazing: That beautiful ring shape makes it a showstopper on any table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this amazing bread. It’s pretty straightforward, but paying attention to the details makes all the difference. First up, we need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base, along with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar to wake up that yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for flavor. These guys are the backbone of our lovely dough!
Flour and Leavening Agents for Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
The flour gives our bread its structure, while the yeast, sugar, and salt work together to make it rise beautifully and taste just right. It’s a simple but crucial mix!
Liquids and Fats for a Tender Dough
Next, we’ve got 3/4 cup of warm milk – not hot, just nice and warm, think bathwater temperature – and 2 tablespoons of butter, melted. These are what make the dough soft and a little rich, giving it that wonderful tender bite we all love.
The Savory Filling for Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Now for the good stuff inside! You’ll need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I usually go for a medium shred; it melts really nicely without disappearing completely. And of course, 1/2 cup of diced cooked ham. If you’re feeling fancy, you could totally swap cheddar for Gruyere or Swiss cheese, or even add a little pinch of black pepper to the filling for a bit of a kick!
Finishing Touches for a Golden Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
To get that gorgeous golden-brown finish, we’ll use 1 large egg, lightly beaten for an egg wash. And if you like a little crunch and nutty flavor, definitely grab some sesame seeds to sprinkle on top!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Alright, let’s get this bread made! It’s really not complicated, just follow along and you’ll have a gorgeous, golden ring of deliciousness in no time.
Preparing the Dough for Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
First things first, grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then, pour in that warm milk and the melted butter. Give it a mix until it starts to come together into a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead away for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic, like a soft earlobe. Pop that into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it hang out in a warm spot for about an hour. It should get nice and puffy, basically doubling in size!
Assembling the Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Once your dough has had its first rise, punch it down gently – it’s so satisfying! Now, roll it out on your floured surface into a nice rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even. Sprinkle that lovely shredded cheddar cheese and the diced ham all over the rectangle, leaving a little border. Then, starting from one of the long sides, roll it up nice and tight. Pinch the ends together to seal it all up, and then carefully shape that log into a ring. Tuck those ends in really well – this is super important so your yummy filling doesn’t escape while it’s baking!
Baking Your Delicious Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Gently place your beautiful ring onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely again and let it have a second rise for about 30 minutes. While it’s puffing up, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s had its second rise, brush the whole top with your beaten egg wash – this is what gives it that gorgeous golden glow. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds if you’re using them. Pop it into the hot oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully golden brown and smells absolutely divine. Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing into it. Careful, it’ll be hot!
Tips for Baking the Best Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Want to make sure your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread turns out absolutely perfect? A few little tricks really help! Make sure you really seal up those ends when you shape the ring – nobody wants cheesy ham goodness leaking out! Also, try not to overbake it; keep an eye on it so it stays nice and moist inside. And always, always use fresh yeast; it makes a world of difference in how well your bread rises! For a similar easy bread recipe, check out this easy homemade bread recipe.
Achieving the Perfect Rise for Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
For the best rise, find a nice warm spot for your dough. An oven with just the light on, or even near a sunny window, works wonders!
Ensuring Even Browning on Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Placing the ring in the center of the oven usually ensures it bakes and browns evenly all around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Got some questions buzzing around your head about this yummy Ham and Cheese Ring Bread? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I use different types of cheese in my Ham and Cheese Ring Bread?
Absolutely! While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to use Gruyere or Swiss cheese. They melt beautifully and add a lovely nutty flavor!
How should I store leftover Ham and Cheese Ring Bread?
Once it’s cooled down, just pop any leftovers into an airtight container or wrap it well. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days, but it does stay pretty good!
Can this Ham and Cheese Ring Bread be made ahead of time?
You can totally prepare the dough up to the first rise and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just let it warm up a bit before shaping and baking the next day!
Serving and Enjoying Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
This Ham and Cheese Ring Bread is just fantastic served warm, right out of the oven. It’s so good on its own, but I also love it with a simple green salad or a warm bowl of soup for a light meal. It also makes a super pretty centerpiece for any brunch spread! For another delightful savory bake, consider these cranberry feta pinwheels.
Nutritional Estimates for Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Just so you know, these are estimates, but generally, one slice of this delicious Ham and Cheese Ring Bread has about 250 calories. You’re looking at around 12g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein, with about 450mg of sodium. It’s a pretty satisfying slice!
Print
Amazing Ham and Cheese Ring Bread delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory ring bread filled with ham and cheese, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and diced ham evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side.
- Shape the roll into a ring and pinch the ends to seal.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Gruyere or Swiss cheese for cheddar.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to the filling for extra flavor.
- Ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham cheese bread ring recipe savory breakfast snack bake