Quick Ham and Cheese Bake: A Weeknight Champion

There are certain dishes that become ingrained in the fabric of your culinary life, not necessarily because they’re grand or elaborate, but because they reliably deliver comfort and flavor when you need it most. For me, this Quick Ham and Cheese Bake falls squarely into that category. I remember late nights in my first tiny apartment kitchen, the kind where you could practically stir a pot from the sofa. This recipe was my secret weapon, a way to conjure a satisfying, hot meal in what felt like mere minutes. The aroma that wafted from the oven, a savory blend of salty ham, melty cheese, and that subtle, eggy richness, was always a welcome signal that dinner was served, no matter how hectic the day had been. It’s a dish that tastes like pure, unadulterated, weeknight victory.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few pantry staples and comes together with remarkable ease. The key is good quality cooked ham – leftovers from a holiday roast are perfect, but pre-cut ham from the deli works beautifully too.

• 1 1⁄2 cups cut-up cooked ham
• 1 1⁄2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
• 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Bisquick Buttermilk Baking Mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie plate
• Small bowl
• Fork or whisk

Instructions

The beauty of this bake lies in its straightforward assembly. You’re essentially creating a savory, fluffy custard that encases the ham and vegetables, all crowned with bubbly cheese.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature is crucial for achieving a beautifully golden and set bake. Next, grease a 9-inch pie plate. A light coating of butter or cooking spray will prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

2. Layer the Foundation: In the prepared pie plate, mix together the cut-up cooked ham, the thawed and drained frozen mixed vegetables, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the plate. This will form the flavorful base of your bake.

3. Whisk the Batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the Bisquick Buttermilk Baking Mix, the milk, and the eggs. Use a fork or a whisk to combine them until the mixture is just blended. You don’t want to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often desirable for a tender result. The baking mix provides the structure, the milk adds moisture, and the eggs bind everything together and give it that lovely custardy texture.

4. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the ham and vegetable mixture in the pie plate. Ensure it covers the ingredients as much as possible. Place the pie plate in the preheated oven.

5. First Bake: Bake for 25 minutes. During this initial baking period, the batter will puff up and set around the ham and vegetables. You’ll know it’s close to being done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the egg mixture has fully cooked through.

6. The Cheesy Finish: Once the 25-minute bake is complete and the center is set, carefully remove the pie plate from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake.

7. Second Bake: Return the pie plate to the oven for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This quick second bake ensures that the cheese is perfectly gooey and complements the savory interior.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The magic of this Quick Ham and Cheese Bake is its inherent simplicity, but a few touches can elevate it even further.

• Ham Quality Matters: While any cooked ham will work, opting for a good quality, slightly smoky ham will impart a richer flavor to the final dish. If you’re using leftover baked ham, consider dicing it into smaller, uniform pieces for even distribution.
• Vegetable Versatility: Feel free to experiment with different frozen vegetables! Peas, corn, green beans, or a combination of your favorites can be swapped in. Just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid adding excess moisture.
• Cheese Combinations: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to blend your cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a sharp Provolone can add interesting flavor dimensions. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley over the melted cheese just before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Doneness Check: The “knife inserted comes out clean” test is your best friend. If there’s any wetness, give it a few more minutes. Ovens can vary, so always trust your visual cues.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This bake is wonderfully versatile. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a light lunch or supper, but it also makes an excellent side dish for brunch or a simple weeknight dinner.

• Serving: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Cut into wedges, just like a pie, and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to sop up any delicious bits.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This bake does not freeze particularly well, as the texture can become somewhat gummy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	282.3 kcal
Calories from Fat	142 kcal
Total Fat	15.8 g	24%
Saturated Fat	7.4 g	37%
Cholesterol	101.6 mg	33%
Sodium	442.3 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	17.2 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	2 g	7%
Protein	17.9 g	35%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for speed and simplicity, here are a few ways you can tailor it to your preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and increase the amount of mixed vegetables to 2 cups. You could also add other vegetarian protein sources like cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu, ensuring they are well-drained.
• Gluten-Free: Unfortunately, Bisquick Buttermilk Baking Mix contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to find a suitable gluten-free baking mix or create your own gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking.
• Dairy-Free (with modification): To make this dairy-free, you would need to substitute the milk with an unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or soy) and use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The Parmesan cheese would also need to be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free equivalent.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables, you may want to lightly sauté them for a few minutes before adding them to the pie plate to ensure they are tender in the final bake.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom from being soggy?
A: Ensuring your frozen vegetables are thoroughly thawed and drained is key. Also, preheating your oven to the correct temperature and not opening the oven door too often during the initial bake will help it set properly.

Q: What kind of ham is best?
A: Diced cooked ham, such as leftover holiday ham, pre-cut ham cubes, or even deli ham, works well. The key is that it’s already cooked.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While you can assemble the ham and vegetable mixture and whisk the batter ahead of time, it’s best to bake the dish just before serving for optimal texture and flavor. The bake is so quick that making it fresh is usually the easiest route.

Q: My bake didn’t rise as much as I expected. What went wrong?
A: Ensure your Bisquick Buttermilk Baking Mix is fresh, as leavening agents can lose potency over time. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tougher, less fluffy bake.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Ham and Cheese Bake is a testament to the fact that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire, a reliable friend for those busy evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Give it a try, and I suspect you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. It’s a simple pleasure, a testament to the power of a few well-chosen ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Enjoy!