Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf

This Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Loaf is everything you love about a hearty sandwich—baked into one warm, cheesy, pull-apart loaf. Made with frozen bread dough, thinly shaved Virginia ham, and sharp Irish Cheddar, this savory stuffed bread is the ultimate comfort bake. It’s perfect for family dinners, lunch leftovers, or slicing and serving at casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Loaf

• Rustic and satisfying. Melty cheese, savory ham, and fluffy bread in every bite.
• Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Frozen dough makes this surprisingly easy to pull off.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd. One loaf serves 6 hungry people.
• Versatile for any meal. Brunch centerpiece, cozy dinner, or next-day lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
• Nonstick cooking spray
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)
• 1/2 pound shaved Virginia ham
• 1/2 pound Irish Cheddar cheese (or white Cheddar), grated

How to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Loaf

1. Thaw and prep. Let the bread dough thaw overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before baking—no rising needed.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F and spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Roll the dough. Lightly flour your surface and roll dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle. If it springs back, cover with a towel and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Layer the filling. Lay the ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Roll and seal. Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal and tucking in the ends.
6. Bake. Place seam-side down in the loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 200°F.
7. Cool and serve. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and sharper flavor.
• Don’t overstuff. Too much filling can prevent the loaf from baking through.
• Check the internal temp. A thermometer is your best friend here—200°F is your go-to.
• Seal that seam. Prevent leaks by pinching tightly and placing seam-side down.

Recipe Variations

• Spinach & Feta Loaf: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta with garlic butter.
• Turkey & Swiss: Deli-style with classic flavors.
• Jalapeño Popper Loaf: Use pepper jack, cream cheese, and sliced jalapeños.
• Mini Loaf Rolls: Divide dough and make personal-sized versions.
• Italian-Style: Salami, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Wrap securely in foil or plastic, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Ham and Cheese Loaf

• Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30–60 seconds.
• Oven: Reheat slices on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Skillet: Toast slices in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How do I keep the loaf from getting soggy?
  Pat ham dry before layering and avoid adding wet vegetables. Bake thoroughly and let it rest after baking.
• Can I use homemade dough?
  Absolutely. Pizza dough or enriched sandwich bread dough both work well.
• What vegetables can I add?
  Try sautéed onions, spinach, or blanched broccoli. Cook them first to avoid excess moisture.
• Can I prep this ahead of time?
  Yes. Assemble the loaf and refrigerate overnight before baking, or bake it fully and reheat slices as needed.
• Can I use different cheese or meat?
  Totally! Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, turkey, roast beef—it’s a mix-and-match masterpiece.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Chorizo Burgers
• Pioneer Woman Muffaletta Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 6 servings

• Calories 431
• Total Fat20 g
• Saturated Fat8 g
• Carbohydrates40 g
• Dietary Fiber2 g
• Sugar4 g
• Protein22 g
• Cholesterol59 mg
• Sodium1023 mg