These Hot Ham and Cheese Bites are tiny bursts of yummy goodness! Loaded with melted cheese and tasty ham, each bite is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re perfect as a snack or an easy party treat. Just pop them in your mouth, and watch the cheese stretch! I love serving them with mustard for an extra zing—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: This is the base for your bites. I love using refrigerated biscuit dough for quick results. If you want to make it from scratch, use homemade dough, but store-bought is super convenient.
Deli Ham: I recommend using a good quality deli ham for better flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken breast. You can also use vegetarian alternatives like smoked tofu for a plant-based version!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice sharpness. For variety, try pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also be fun!
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese. You could also swap it for ricotta for a different texture.
Herbs and Spices: The garlic and onion powder bring out great flavor, while parsley adds a fresh touch. Feel free to change it up with your favorite seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.
How Do I Ensure My Ham and Cheese Bites Don’t Spill Open?
Sealing the dough well is key to prevent leaking. After placing the filling on the dough, fold the edges carefully, ensuring they overlap. Pinch the seams tightly, creating a nice ball. If you’re worried about them opening, you can also wrap them in a second layer of biscuit dough.
- Flatten each biscuit with your hands; aim for about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a generous amount of filling but don’t overstuff to keep them manageable.
- Make sure the seam is secure by pinching and pressing the edges together.
Brushing melted butter on top not only adds flavor but can help create a nice crust. Baking them seam side down also helps keep everything inside. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz deli ham, chopped
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Dough:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Extra shredded cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy snack that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important because we want our Hot Ham and Cheese Bites to cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the bites from sticking.
2. Making the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, throw in your chopped ham, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until well combined. This cheesy filling is what makes our bites so yummy!
3. Preparing the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Now, flatten each biscuit with your hands, shaping them into round discs. Aim for about 3-4 inches across; this will give you enough space for the filling.
4. Filling the Biscuits:
Take a heaping tablespoon of the ham and cheese mixture and place it right in the center of each biscuit disc. Be generous, but make sure not to overfill them!
5. Shaping the Bites:
Now comes the fun part! Fold the edges of the biscuit over the filling and pinch them together tightly to seal, forming a little ball. Make sure the filling is well-contained inside to avoid any spills while baking.
6. Baking the Bites:
Arrange all your filled biscuit balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops gently with melted butter to help them brown, and sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.
7. Time to Bake:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they’re golden brown and delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re baked, remove the Hot Ham and Cheese Bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear quickly as everyone enjoys this tasty snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure they melt well to maintain that delicious gooey texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuit Dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough on hand, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry as alternatives. Just roll them out into discs and follow the same filling and baking instructions. Keep in mind that bake times may vary slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) bites. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
