We recently have three new families that just moved in to our neighborhood this past couple of months. So baking a batch of something was in order. I had some ham and fresh thyme in the fridge that I wanted to use up. Out came this bread. Savory bread always needs some sort of cheese so my choice of cheese for this was Parmesan. Chris and I sampled this for dinner last night and it was definitely worthy of giving away as a “welcome to the neighborhood” treat to one of the families. Bake some for your neighbor today and save a couple of pieces for yourself!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of ham, diced (I used the rectangular sliced ham. Reserve 1/2 for the batter and 1/2 for sprinkling on top)
- a drizzle of olive oil for cooking
- 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 very large sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves stripped and finely chopped (3/4 goes into the batter and reserve 1/4 for sprinkling on top)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of milk
Preparation:
In a small pan over medium high heat combine ham and olive oil. Cook ham until slightly brown, about 3-4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer ham to a plate lined with paper towel. Set aside and let it cool.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9″ x 13″-inch baking pan.
Using a stand mixer (or mix by hand) combine flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, baking soda, parmesan cheese and 3/4 of chopped fresh thyme. Mix well and set aside.
In a medium bowl whisk eggs, olive oil, sour cream and milk. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until just moistened. Fold in 1/2 of the diced ham and pour batter into the prepared pan. Using a spatula, distribute your batter evenly around the pan. Sprinkle the other 1/2 remaining ham on top, along with a small handful of grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 remaining of chopped thyme. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until toothpick/tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly for 5-7 minutes before serving.
uni homemaker 
Sounds heavenly to me. especially as I adore thyme. Love the idea of the ham and Parmesan together. Really could’ve done with a slice of this to go with my second version of celery soup. Instead I had puff pastry and melted Brie as I’m prepping that post I did – the open pie thing-y! Can’t remember! Oh, my memory these days…anyway, that’s for tomorrow.
These savory breads are wonderful with soups! So yes, it would have gone perfectly with your celery soup.
I really should have popped in here earlier, to say thanks, for liking my Coffee Crumb Cakes xx
You’re welcome!
Anne …its so sweet from you…you welcom for THE new 3 Family ‘s with so Nice fingerfood!!!
Thanks Massi! I always find reasons to bake. 😉
Looks delicious. Would be great with some good balsamic and oil. Must try this.
Thanks Phil! Good balsamic and oil is a great idea to dip this bread in. Yum…. I will try that –thanks for the wonderful idea. 🙂
I agree! This would definitely go great with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Gotta try this tonight.
It was absolutely delicious and I really enjoyed it! 🙂
I’m not sure I like all of my neighbors this much. 🙂 Looks delicious – this is a must try!
Thanks Lesley! 🙂
I’m a sucker for bread with lots of “bits” in and this looks wonderful. I’m definitely going to have to try this recipe.
Thanks Claire! I dipped this bread in some good quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil –it was fantastic! So if you do bake it and if you have some good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, give it a try. I couldn’t get enough of it. 😀
I bet your kitchen smelled heavenly with this bread in the oven. Any savory bread with do that but, when you add parmesan cheese to the dough, the scent climbs to a whole new level. What a nice — and delicious– way to welcome your new neighbors, Anne.
The kitchen did smelled heavenly while this baby was baking! Will have to bake more savory items, as they are fantastic for dinner. 🙂
Looks SO good! Can’t wait to try 🙂
Thanks! Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.
I’m almost certain that if left alone with a whole batch of this…I’d eat it all! It sounds similar to rosemary foccacia — which I love!
Hahaha… Thank goodness for neighbors or else we would have eaten this whole thing ourselves!
What a treat for the neighbors, you’ll be a hit on the block when they find out all the yummy treats you’ve been making!
Haha, thanks Jan! I’m kinda glad for them because there’s no way my husband and I could eat the whole thing ourselves considering how much I bake! 😀
It looks delicious. Love the flavors & textures in there.
Thanks Pam!
your so sweet to be friendly to the new neighbors…bread looks just wonderful..will have to make this soon…lovely post..sarah
Thanks Sarah, always a pleasure to hear from you! 🙂
This looks so good! I have all the ingredients too 🙂
I am wondering if I could bake this in a cast iron?
Absolutely! I don’t see why not. Although I’m not too familiar with baking in cast iron so I’m not sure if cooking time would be the same or less (considering how well it insulates)?
Thanks Anne, I may stay with the baking pan because I definitely want to taste this 🙂
This looks so good! I’m certain I would eat more than a serving or two before this made to our table. What a nice way to welcome new neighbors!
Thanks Allison! 🙂 It was hard to refrain from eating more than one but I was able to manage.
You are tempting me 🙂 this looks so good!
Thanks Anto! 🙂
It is so considerate to welcome your new neighbors with the savory bread. They will certainly be happy to have you as a neighbor.
Thanks Karen! 🙂
This looks delicious! I wish I had neighbors like you. 🙂
Thanks Lisa, what a lovely comment! 🙂
A lovely & very tasty looking bread! Yummo!
Thank you Sophie!