Parmesan Ham and Thyme Bread

Parmesan Ham and Thyme Bread

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!

Parmesan Ham and Thyme Bread

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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.

Parmesan Ham and Thyme Bread
 

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39 thoughts on “Parmesan Ham and Thyme Bread

  1. 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.

  2. 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. 😀

  3. 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.

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