Oh, you are going to LOVE this recipe! It’s one of those simple joys that just makes any morning feel special. I’ve been making this Ham and Cheese Ring Bread for years, ever since my Aunt Carol first shared it with me. It’s just perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or even a light lunch with a side salad. The smell alone as it bakes is enough to get everyone out of bed! It’s incredibly satisfying to pull this beautiful, golden ring out of the oven, knowing you made it yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Seriously, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s one of those dishes that just brings a smile to everyone’s face.
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking bread, this recipe is totally doable. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t need a super long rise time.
- Flavor Explosion: You’ve got that savory ham, melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a soft, slightly sweet bread. It’s just the perfect combo!
- Versatile Star: It’s not just for breakfast! This Ham and Cheese Ring Bread is amazing for brunch, a snack, or even a light dinner. It’s so adaptable.
- Comfort Food Central: There’s something so comforting about warm bread, especially when it’s packed with ham and cheese. It just feels like home.
Gathering Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row for this amazing Ham and Cheese Ring Bread! Having everything ready makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me. It’s like setting up your station before a big project – it just makes everything flow.
Yeast and Flour Essentials for Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
First up, we need our dough basics. Grab 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast – make sure it’s not expired! We’ll also need 1 teaspoon of sugar to wake up that yeast. The water is super important here; it needs to be warm, like a cozy bath, around 105-115°F. Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t get going. Then, we’ll use 3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus a little extra just in case for dusting. And don’t forget 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor!
Dairy and Savory Fillings for Your Ring Bread
Now for the good stuff inside! You’ll need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I love cheddar for its sharp flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or even a good Swiss would be fantastic here. Also, grab about ½ cup of diced cooked ham. Leftover ham from dinner works perfectly, or you can buy some pre-diced. A little pinch of black pepper mixed in with these is a game-changer, too!
Finishing Touches for the Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
To get that beautiful golden crust, we’ll need 1 egg, beaten. This is our egg wash, and it makes all the difference in the final look. And if you like a little extra flavor and crunch, have some sesame seeds ready to sprinkle on top – totally optional, but I think they look so pretty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Alright, let’s get this delicious Ham and Cheese Ring Bread into shape! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s really not as complicated as it might sound, and the results are so worth it.
Preparing the Dough for Your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
First things first, we need to get our yeast party started. Grab a small bowl and dissolve the active dry yeast and that teaspoon of sugar into your warm water. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks all foamy and bubbly – that means the yeast is alive and happy! While that’s happening, in a big bowl, mix together your 3 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt.
Now, pour that foamy yeast mixture and the melted butter into the flour. Stir it all up until it looks like a shaggy, messy dough. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect yet! Turn this dough out onto a surface that you’ve lightly dusted with flour. This is where the magic happens – start kneading! You’ll want to knead for a good 8 to 10 minutes. Push, fold, and turn the dough until it’s smooth, soft, and elastic. It should feel wonderfully pliable. Pop that dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. It’s like magic watching it puff up!
Assembling and Shaping the Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it back out onto your lightly floured surface. Now, grab a rolling pin and roll this lovely dough into a big rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches. Try to get it relatively even. This is where the delicious filling comes in! Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham evenly all over the dough. Leave about a 1-inch border along one of the long sides – this will help seal everything up later.
Starting from the long side *opposite* the border, tightly roll up the dough, like you’re making a jelly roll. Once it’s rolled, pinch that seam really well to seal it. Now, carefully bring the two ends together to form a beautiful ring shape. You can pinch those ends together firmly to make sure it stays closed during baking. Place your beautiful ring onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it have a second rise for about 30 minutes. This second little nap makes it extra soft.
Baking Your Perfect Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
While your ring is having its second rise, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready and the bread has had its final rest, it’s time for the finishing touches. Brush the entire top of the ring with your beaten egg wash. This is what gives it that gorgeous golden-brown color. If you’re using sesame seeds, sprinkle them on now while the egg wash is wet so they stick. Pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color all over, and if you tap the bottom, it should sound a little hollow. Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Baking the Best Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
You want your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread to be absolutely perfect, right? It’s all about a few key things. Don’t stress if your dough looks a little sticky at first, that’s actually a good sign! Just keep going with the kneading, and trust the process. A little extra flour on your hands or the surface is totally fine if it gets unmanageable.
Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
When you’re mixing the dough, it’s going to look pretty shaggy. That’s normal! The real magic happens during kneading. Keep working that dough for the full 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for it to become smooth, elastic, and easy to handle. If it’s super sticky and sticking to everything, add flour just a tablespoon at a time. You don’t want to add too much, or the bread will be dry.
Ensuring Even Baking and Browning
Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you pop the ring bread in. That 375°F is key for getting that lovely golden crust. Placing the ring on parchment paper on a baking sheet helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom. If you notice one side browning faster than the other, you can always carefully rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Got questions about this yummy Ham and Cheese Ring Bread? I get it! Baking bread can bring up a few things, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some common things people ask.
Can I make Ham and Cheese Ring Bread ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare the dough, let it do its first rise, and then punch it down and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise and baking steps. It makes brunch prep so much easier!
What are good cheese substitutions for this Ham and Cheese Ring Bread?
Oh, the cheese possibilities are endless! While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to get creative. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the ham shine. A sharp Swiss cheese adds a lovely nutty note. You could even try a mix of your favorites, like some Colby Jack or even a bit of mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just make sure it shreds well!
How do I store leftover Ham and Cheese Ring Bread?
Once your Ham and Cheese Ring Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you want to reheat it, a quick warm-up in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes will bring back that lovely softness and cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information for Ham and Cheese Ring Bread
Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional info for homemade goodies can vary a bit! Things like the specific brands of ingredients you use, how much cheese or ham you pack in, or even just how generous you are with the egg wash can all change the numbers slightly. So, think of these as a good estimate to give you an idea!
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Amazing Ham and Cheese Ring Bread Taste
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory ring bread filled with ham and cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced cooked ham
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and diced ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side opposite the border. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Carefully form the roll into a ring, pressing the ends together to seal.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the ring with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute other cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper to the cheese and ham mixture.
- Ensure the warm water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham cheese bread ring breakfast brunch savory baked dough yeast