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The Golden Crusted Ham and Cheese Bake is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner, brunch, or even a special gathering. This bake combines layers of savory ham, melted cheese, and a golden, crispy topping. The rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Golden Crusted Ham and Cheese Bake:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably a thicker variety like French bread or sandwich bread)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced or sliced thinly)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a touch of tanginess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the golden crust)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the Bread and Ham:
- Arrange 4 slices of bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the diced or sliced ham over the bread.
- Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the ham.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese layers, ensuring everything is soaked evenly.
- Add the Second Layer:
- Repeat the process by layering the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the first layer.
- Add the remaining ham and shredded cheese, then pour the rest of the egg mixture over everything.
- Make the Golden Crust:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the dish to form a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the center is set.
- Serve:
- Allow the bake to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips:
- You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal for this dish to make it even more convenient.
- Feel free to customize the cheese with varieties like Swiss, gouda, or provolone.
- For a more decadent version, add a bit of crumbled bacon or sautéed onions between the layers.
This dish is perfect for a brunch spread, a comforting dinner, or even as a make-ahead meal! Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with a delightful, crispy finish.
