Cheese Ham Fondue
A rich and creamy cheese and ham fondue featuring toasted Italian bread, perfect for sharing at casual gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the cubed stale Italian bread, cubed lean ham, and cubed Cheddar cheese in a 2-quart casserole.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour and dry mustard.
- Gradually stir in the milk until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs slightly, then add the milk mixture and Tabasco sauce, blending well.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F until browned and a knife inserted comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the layers. If you're out of Cheddar, try Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different twist. For a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat yogurt. Ensure the bread is stale for better absorption of the egg mixture, giving a great texture. This is a wonderful way to use leftover bread in your Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese Ham Fondue hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color. It's delicious alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, pair it with creamy sides like Creamy Bacon Pasta or a light soup such as Spinach And Bean Minestra.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ham Fondue contains roughly 779 calories, with 19g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1167mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and the egg mixture a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble them and follow the baking instructions. This helps to meld the flavors even more.
What can I substitute for ham?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the ham entirely or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For a smokier flavor, try using smoked turkey or bacon as alternatives.
How do I know when it's done baking?
The fondue is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice it's browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).