Ham, Cheese, & Herb Baguette

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Advanced
A savory, rustic French loaf stuffed with ham, melted cheese, and aromatic fresh herbs.
Ham~ Cheese~ & Herb Baguette recipe image

Ham, Cheese, & Herb Baguette

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8 Calories: 172.2

Description

This Ham, Cheese, & Herb Baguette is a comforting, hearty bread perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. The soft, yeast-leavened dough is generously filled with diced ham, freshly grated Parmesan, and a blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the warm bread while the herbs release their fragrant oils, creating a savory, aromatic experience. The crust turns golden and crisp, contrasting beautifully with the tender interior. It pairs wonderfully with minestrone soup, a simple green salad, or a rich stew. This recipe brings the cozy flavors of a French bistro to your home table, offering a delicious alternative to plain sandwich bread.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and honey. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the top and stir gently to dissolve.
  2. Let the yeast mixture sit in a warm spot for 10 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Gradually add the unbleached white flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture, stirring constantly until a shaggy dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll one half into a rectangle approximately 14 inches by 10 inches.
  6. Brush the rolled dough with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  7. Scatter half of the cubed ham evenly over the surface of the dough, pressing it slightly into the layer.
  8. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ham, followed by half of the chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, and a generous grinding of black pepper.
  9. Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, similar to a cinnamon roll or cigar shape.
  10. Pinch the seam and ends to seal the filling inside. Place the loaf seam-side down in a well-greased French bread pan or on a greased baking sheet.
  11. Repeat the rolling and filling process with the second half of the dough, ham, cheese, and herbs.
  12. Cover both loaves with a clean tea towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
  13. Preheat the oven to 450&# 194;°F (230ðC).
  14. Just before baking, lightly brush the tops of both loaves with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  15. Bake in the middle shelf of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  16. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 172.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 18.7mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 37.3g13%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Sugars 1.6g
Protein 3.6g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: ham, cheese, herb, baguette, french, bread, yeast, rosemary, thyme, sage, parmesan, olive oil, homemade, stuffed, loaf, savory, baking, lunch, dinner, comfort food
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