Savory Herb & Ham Cheese Baguette
Experience the delightful flavors of a traditional French baguette with a modern twist! This Savory Herb & Ham Cheese Baguette blends the rich, salty taste of ham with the creamy sharpness of Parmesan cheese, all enhanced by fragrant fresh herbs. Perfect for accompanying your favorite soups, stews, or salads, this artisanal loaf is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. You can create these hearty baguettes from start to finish in a little over an hour, making them an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering. Serve them sliced and lightly toasted for an extra treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons (dry)
warm water
1 1/2 cups (about 110°F (43°C))
honey
1 tablespoon (liquid)
unbleached white flour
4 cups (approximately)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
ham, diced or cubed pork
1 1/2 cups (freshly cubed)
parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons (or 1 teaspoon dried)
fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons (or 1 teaspoon dried)
fresh sage, chopped
2 teaspoons (or 1 teaspoon dried)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and honey. Let the mixture stand in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2
Gradually sift the unbleached white flour and salt into the yeast mixture, stirring continuously until a shaggy dough starts to form.
3
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for several minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion into a rectangle approximately 14 inches by 10 inches.
5
Brush the rolled-out dough with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Evenly distribute half of the diced ham over the surface, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of half the fresh herbs. Finish with a generous grind of black pepper.
6
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log shape, sealing the edges where necessary, and place it in a greased French bread pan or on a greased baking sheet.
7
Repeat the process for the second loaf with the remaining ingredients.
8
Cover both loaves with a clean tea towel and let them rise in a warm spot for 15 minutes.
9
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
10
Before baking, gently brush the tops of the loaves with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
11
Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12
Allow the loaves to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Herb & Ham Cheese Baguette?
It is an artisanal French-style baguette filled with diced ham, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
How long does it take to prepare and bake this bread?
The entire process, from activating the yeast to finishing the bake, can be completed in a little over an hour.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
What is the ideal temperature for the water used to activate the yeast?
The water should be warm, approximately 110°F (43°C), to properly activate the active dry yeast.
Why is honey included in the dough mixture?
One tablespoon of liquid honey is used to help feed the yeast and add a subtle depth of flavor to the dough.
How long should the yeast mixture sit before adding flour?
Let the yeast, warm water, and honey mixture stand in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What type of flour is recommended for this baguette?
The recipe calls for approximately 4 cups of unbleached white flour.
Is salt mandatory in this recipe?
According to the ingredient list, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is considered optional.
What should the dough look like before kneading?
After sifting in the flour and salt, you should stir until a shaggy dough starts to form.
How should the dough feel after kneading?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
The dough is divided into two equal portions to create two separate baguette loaves.
What dimensions should I roll the dough into?
Each portion of dough should be rolled out into a rectangle approximately 14 inches by 10 inches.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between brushing the inside of the dough and the tops of the loaves.
What kind of ham should I use?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of diced ham or freshly cubed pork.
Which fresh herbs are included in the savory blend?
The recipe uses a combination of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage (2 teaspoons of each).
Can I use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for the rosemary, thyme, and sage.
How do I assemble the filling inside the baguette?
Brush the dough with olive oil, then evenly distribute the ham, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and black pepper before rolling.
How do I shape the bread into a baguette?
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log shape and seal the edges.
What equipment is needed for baking the bread?
You can use a greased French bread pan or a standard greased baking sheet.
How long should the shaped loaves rise?
Cover the loaves with a clean tea towel and let them rise in a warm spot for 15 minutes.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Should I prepare the surface of the loaf before putting it in the oven?
Yes, gently brush the tops of the loaves with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil before baking.
How long does the baguette need to bake?
Bake the loaves on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell if the baguette is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Should the bread be cooled before eating?
It is recommended to allow the loaves to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
What foods pair well with this savory baguette?
It is an excellent accompaniment to soups, stews, or salads.
Is there a recommended way to serve the leftovers?
Serving the slices lightly toasted provides an extra treat and enhances the flavors.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is considered a quick recipe because it uses a short rise time and high baking temperature to finish in about an hour.
What provides the heat or spice in this bread?
The recipe includes a generous grind of fresh black pepper to add a mild savory heat.