Savory Ham and Cheese Bundt Cake – Sweet Perfection
Introduction
Get ready to make an incredible Savory Ham and Cheese Bundt Cake that everyone will love! This recipe combines simple ingredients with great flavor to create something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Follow along as we show you how to make this wonderful recipe step by step!
Of course! A Savory Ham and Cheese Bundt Cake (also known as a Cake Salé in French) is a brilliant and elegant dish. It’s not a sweet cake at all, but a light, tender, and incredibly flavorful quick bread, perfect for brunch, a picnic, or as an appetizer.
Think of it as a sophisticated cousin to a savory bread pudding or a quiche without the fuss of a crust.
The Secret to a Perfect Savory Bundt Cake
The goal is a light, airy crumb, not a dense brick. The key is to not overmix the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, you stop. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Recipe: Savory Ham and Cheese Bundt Cake
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap the ham and cheeses for what you have on hand (see variations below).
Yields: 1 standard 10-cup Bundt cake (about 10-12 servings)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
· 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
· ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
· 4 large eggs
· 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
· ½ cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil or melted unsalted butter, cooled
· ½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Mix-Ins:
· 2 cups (about 8oz/225g) diced ham
· 1 ½ cups (about 6oz/170g) shredded cheese, divided (use a mix like Gruyère & Cheddar, or just one kind)
· ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
· 1 small onion, finely diced and sautéed until soft (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven:
· Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, making sure to get into all the crevices. Alternatively, use a non-stick baking spray with flour in it.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
· In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices (paprika, mustard powder). This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
· In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Then, whisk in the milk, olive oil (or melted butter), sour cream, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth.
- Make the Batter:
· Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Do not overmix! It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour.
· Gently fold in the diced ham, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, the chives, and the sautéed onion (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
· Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
· Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top of the batter.
· Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is deeply golden brown on top and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
· Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This is crucial for the structure to set.
· After 15 minutes, carefully invert the pan onto the serving plate. The cake should release easily if your pan was well-greased.
· Let it cool for at least another 20-30 minutes before slicing. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
Chef’s Tips & Flavor Variations
· Don’t Overmix: This is the #1 rule. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake.
· Ingredient Swaps:
· Meat: Substitute ham with cooked and crumbled bacon, diced salami, or even flaked smoked salmon.
· Cheese: Try combinations like Feta & Dill, Swiss & Ham, Pepper Jack & Green Onions, or Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella.
· Vegetables: Add up to 1 cup of finely chopped, lightly sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (squeezed very dry).
· Add Fresh Herbs: Herbs like thyme, dill, or tarragon work beautifully.
· Make it a Meal: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
· Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s excellent for breakfast the next day.
Enjoy this stunning and delicious centerpiece! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a truly versatile dish.
Conclusion
Congratulations on making this delicious Savory Ham and Cheese Bundt Cake! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.
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