Ham and Cheese Bread

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade Ham and Cheese Bread, a delightful twist on savory baking that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack time. This golden, crusty loaf is filled with layers of tender, deli-style ham and melty cheddar cheese, creating a flavor-packed centerpiece with every slice. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and active dry yeast, this recipe walks you through crafting soft, fluffy bread from scratch—including tips on kneading and proper rising techniques. Brushed with a glossy egg wash for a bakery-quality finish, this loaf is baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Ham and Cheese Bread is a show-stopping dish that’s as versatile as it is irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1.25 cups Warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 8 slices Deli-style ham (thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Milk (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 2

Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.

Step 6

Layer the ham slices evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the ham.

Step 7

Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it, and tuck the ends under.

Step 8

Place the rolled dough seam-side-down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.

Step 9

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together to make the egg wash. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash to create a glossy finish.

Step 12

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 13

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1230.6 grams (1230.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2955

Total Fat 103.70g	133%
Saturated Fat 46.90g	234%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 528mg	176%
Sodium 6469mg	281%
Total Carbohydrate 347.40g	126%
Dietary Fiber 12.80g	46%
Total Sugars 17.40g
Protein 154.90g	310%

Vitamin D 87IU	435%
Calcium 1321mg	102%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 1824mg	39%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.7%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 47.2%