Marry This Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with frozen bread dough and sharp Irish Cheddar. It’s the perfect all-in-one bake, ready in about 2 hours.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/2 lb shaved Virginia ham
- 1/2 lb Irish Cheddar, grated
- Nonstick spray & flour for prep
How To Make Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Prep Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 325°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed bread dough out into a 9×12-inch rectangle.
- Layer the Fillings: Layer the shaved ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all the edges. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the ham.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam and the ends firmly to seal the fillings inside.
- Bake the Loaf: Grease a standard loaf pan. Place the loaf seam-side down in the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the loaf is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 200°F.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 10-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best cheese to use? For the best, gooiest melt, it’s always best to grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly. A sharp cheddar provides a great flavor contrast to the ham.
- How do I prevent a soggy center? The key is to not overfill the loaf. Stick to the amounts in the recipe. Also, ensure your ham isn’t overly wet. Patting it with a paper towel can help if needed.
- Can I add other ingredients? Yes! For extra flavor, you could add a layer of Dijon mustard to the dough before the ham, or mix in some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley with the cheese.
- How do I get a perfect seal? After rolling the loaf, pinch the seam together very firmly. You can also brush the edges with a little water before sealing to help them stick. Placing it seam-side down in the pan is crucial to prevent it from opening while baking.
What To Serve With Ham And Cheese Loaf
This savory loaf is a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic served with:
- A bowl of creamy tomato soup for dipping
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette
- As a side for a brunch spread with scrambled eggs
How To Store Ham And Cheese Loaf
Refrigerate: Store leftover slices wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave. Freeze: This loaf freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Ham And Cheese Loaf Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 1100mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use frozen bread dough?
Frozen bread dough is a great time-saver. However, you can use 1 pound of your favorite homemade bread dough or even a pound of store-bought pizza dough in its place.
How do I know when the loaf is fully cooked inside?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should be around 200°F. The crust should also be a deep, golden brown and sound hollow when you tap it.
Can I assemble this loaf ahead of time?
It’s best to bake it right after assembling. If you let the assembled, unbaked loaf sit for too long, the dough may over-proof or the bottom could become soggy from the fillings.
Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings40
minutes1
hour431
kcalA cozy, cheesy loaf made with frozen bread dough, sharp Irish Cheddar, and thin Virginia ham.
Ingredients
1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
1/2 lb shaved Virginia ham
1/2 lb Irish Cheddar, grated
Nonstick spray & flour for prep
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. On a floured surface, roll the thawed dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle.
- Layer the ham and then the cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log, starting from a long side. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
- Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheese from a block.
- Don’t Overfill: To prevent a soggy center, stick to the recommended amounts of ham and cheese.
- Flavor Twists: Feel free to add a thin layer of mustard or some fresh herbs for a flavor variation.
- Seal it Well: A tight seal is crucial to keep all the cheesy goodness inside while it bakes.
