Ham and Cheese Bread

a bundt pan with baked savory monkey bread

5 from 29 votes

This ham and cheese bread is a savory, pull-apart delight! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cheesy monkey bread appetizer. Try this easy recipe!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Thawing and rising3

Course: Appetizer, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ham and cheese bread, Make Ahead, pull apart bread, ham and brie, savory monkey bread

Servings:

Calories: 201kcal

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Equipment

Casserole dish
non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients

25 ounces Bridgford parker house rolls thawed, but cold
1 pound ham precooked, cut into dice-sized cubes
1 pound brie cut into dice-sized cubes (garlic and herb adds flavor)
¼ cup minced scallions green parts only

Instructions

Follow package directions for thawing.
While rolls are still cold, cut each into 4 pieces. Sharp kitchen shears work best for cutting the dough.
Spray a 13" x 9" casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Lay 2/3rds of the dough pieces in a single layer in the bottom of dish. Arrange ham and brie cubes evenly over the bread. Place the last of the dough cubes around the top.
Sprinkle top of casserole with your favorite fresh or dried herbs, I like using dried dill or fresh thyme.
If making casserole ahead, skip to step 4.
Cover dish loosely with plastic wrap and let dough rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325º F while rising.
To make ahead:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325º F.
After dough rises (or has come to room temperature, if refrigerated overnight), cover the ham and brie casserole with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden. Top with scallions and serve warm.

Notes

For the best cheesy monkey bread, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly, so every bite is packed with gooey cheese and savory ham. If you want an extra golden brown crust, lightly brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking. And for easy cleanup, line your prepared loaf pan with parchment paper—it makes serving (and dishwashing!) a breeze!

Recipe Variations:

Cheddar and herb twist: Swap out the brie for sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before baking for a flavorful, herb-infused version.
Swiss and ham classic: For a more traditional take, use Swiss cheese instead of brie. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
Garlic butter amd mozzarella: Brush the dough with unsalted butter and minced garlic, then layer in mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey, garlic bread-inspired variation.

Storing Instructions:

If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this bread can last 2-3 days.
If you choose to freeze it, wrap it first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325º F.

Nutrition