Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with these fun and delicious ham and cheese egg dippers. Combining the savory goodness of ham and cheddar cheese with perfectly boiled eggs, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The crispy bread rolls add a delightful texture, making every bite a satisfying treat.
Photos of Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, but if you don't usually stock cheddar cheese or white bread in your kitchen, you'll need to pick them up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have a small pot for boiling the eggs and a sauté pan for frying the bread rolls.
Ingredients For Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
Eggs: The base of the dipper, providing protein and richness.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy and sharp flavor to the dish.
Ham: A savory element that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
White bread: Acts as the wrapper for the ham and cheese, giving a crispy texture when fried.
Butter: Used for frying the bread rolls to a golden brown.
Ice: Needed to cool down the boiled eggs quickly.
One reader, Alain Monson says:
The ham & cheese egg dippers recipe is a delightful breakfast treat! The combination of crispy bread, savory ham, and melted cheddar is simply irresistible. The soft-boiled eggs add a perfect touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Egg Dippers
How to poke a hole in an egg: Use a paring knife to carefully make a small hole in the wider end of the egg. How to boil eggs: Gently lower the eggs into boiling water and boil for precisely 5 minutes. How to cut cheese into strips: Cut the cheddar cheese into 4-inch long and ¼-inch thick strips. How to roll out bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten a piece of white bread until it is flat and dense. How to roll up bread with fillings: Place a slice of ham and a strip of cheddar on the flattened bread, then roll it up like a jelly roll until the cheese and ham are entirely covered. How to fry bread rolls: Fry the bread rolls in a buttered sauté pan over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through when the rolls are lightly browned. How to transfer eggs to ice water: Carefully move the boiled eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool them down. How to make egg holders from an egg carton: Cut out sections of an egg carton to create holders for each egg.
How To Make Ham and Cheese Egg Dippers
You’ll love these Ham and Cheese Egg Dippers that are made with a tasty butter-fried bread filled with ham and cheese, then served with boiled eggs!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3large eggs
- 4ozcheddar cheese
- 9ozham
- 15white bread
- butter,or vegetable oil, for frying
- ice,for ice bath
Instructions
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Fill a small pot ⅔ full with water and bring to a boil.
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With a paring knife, poke a small hole into the wider end of the egg.
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With a spoon, gently lower the eggs into the boiling water and boil for precisely 5 minutes.
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Cut the cheddar cheese into 4-inches long and ¼-inch thick strips.
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Roll out a piece of white bread until flat and dense.
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Place a slice of ham on the bread, then top with a strip of cheddar. Roll up the bread (like a jelly roll) until the cheese and ham are entirely covered.
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Fry the bread rolls for about 4 minutes in a buttered sauté pan over medium-high heat. Turn halfway through when rolls are lightly browned.
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When the eggs are done, carefully transfer them to a bowl of ice water.
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Meanwhile, use an egg carton to cut out egg holders for each egg.
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Take the eggs out of the ice water.
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Serve with the ham and cheese dunkers.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 5694.07kcal
- Fat: 110.15g
- Saturated Fat: 40.92g
- Trans Fat: 1.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 31.82g
- Carbohydrates: 938.79g
- Fiber: 77.91g
- Sugar: 113.78g
- Protein: 235.55g
- Cholesterol: 334.23mg
- Sodium: 11043.26mg
- Calcium: 2863.99mg
- Potassium: 3747.05mg
- Iron: 68.82mg
- Vitamin A: 374.10µg
- Vitamin C: 7.24mg
Expert Advice for Crafting the Perfect Egg Dipper
When rolling out the white bread, make sure to press firmly and evenly to achieve a dense, flat surface. This ensures that the ham and cheddar cheese are securely wrapped and won't unravel during frying.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
Pre-boil the eggs: Boil the eggs in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can skip the boiling step when you're ready to make the recipe.
Pre-cut cheese and ham: Slice the cheddar cheese and ham ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. This will save you time during assembly.
Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced white bread to avoid the hassle of cutting it yourself.
Prepare in batches: Make multiple bread rolls at once and freeze them. When needed, just thaw and fry.
Efficient frying: Use a larger sauté pan to fry more bread rolls simultaneously, reducing cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers Recipe
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works well as a binder in recipes and is a good vegan alternative.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative to cheddar.
ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices are a leaner option and provide a similar texture and flavor profile.
white bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used in similar quantities for cooking and flavor.
ice - Substitute with frozen fruit: Frozen fruit can be used to cool down a dish and add a bit of natural sweetness.
Presentation Ideas for Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the ham and cheese egg dippers into bite-sized pieces to create an elegant and refined presentation. This allows the judges to appreciate the flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create height: Stack the egg dippers vertically or lean them against each other to add visual interest and dimension to the plate.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve a small ramekin of honey mustard or aioli on the side for an additional layer of flavor and a touch of sophistication.
Use a unique plate: Present the dish on a sleek, modern plate with a contrasting color to make the egg dippers stand out.
Incorporate texture: Add a small side of microgreens or a crisp salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory egg dippers.
Highlight the eggs: Place the soft-boiled eggs in the center of the plate, using the egg holders crafted from the egg carton. This draws attention to the perfectly cooked eggs and adds a touch of whimsy.
Drizzle with a finishing touch: Lightly drizzle the egg dippers with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic reduction for added flavor and visual appeal.
Balance the colors: Ensure the plate has a harmonious balance of colors by incorporating elements like red pepper flakes or edible flowers to create a visually stunning dish.
Use precise cuts: Ensure all the cheddar cheese strips and ham slices are uniformly cut to maintain a professional and polished appearance.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
- Let the ham and cheese egg dippers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the egg dippers, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped dippers in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label it with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- When ready to eat, remove the desired number of egg dippers from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume the ham and cheese egg dippers within a month of freezing. Prolonged storage in the freezer may cause the bread to become soggy or the eggs to develop a rubbery texture.
- If you plan to store the egg dippers in the refrigerator, it's best to keep the eggs separate from the ham and cheese rolls. Store the soft-boiled eggs in a separate airtight container and assemble the dippers just before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ham and cheese egg dippers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help restore the crispiness of the bread rolls while ensuring the filling is hot and gooey.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the egg dippers on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the ham and cheese egg dippers loosely in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. Check after 30 seconds and continue heating in 10-second intervals until heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the bread from drying out.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and place the egg dippers in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. The lid will help trap the heat and steam, ensuring the inside stays soft while the outside crisps up.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ham and cheese egg dippers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy. This method will give you a crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.
Interesting Trivia About Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers
A fun fact about this recipe is that the technique of poking a small hole in the egg before boiling helps prevent the egg from cracking and makes it easier to peel. This method is particularly useful for achieving perfectly boiled eggs with a soft and creamy yolk, ideal for dipping with the ham and cheese rolls.
Budget-Friendly: Making Egg Dippers at Home
This ham & cheese egg dippers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients—eggs, cheddar cheese, ham, and white bread—are affordable and readily available. Butter and ice are common household items. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ham & cheese egg dippers recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the cheddar cheese, butter, and potentially the ham, depending on the type used. Excessive saturated fat intake can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- White bread is used, which is typically made from refined flour and lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain bread.
- The recipe is high in sodium, primarily from the ham and cheese, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns when consumed in excess.
- Deep frying the bread rolls adds extra fat and calories to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap white bread for whole grain bread to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Use a leaner ham, such as turkey ham, to reduce saturated fat and sodium
- Opt for a lower-fat cheese, like part-skim mozzarella, or use less cheese overall
- Instead of deep frying, try baking the bread rolls in the oven with a light brush of olive oil
- Serve the egg dippers with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to add more nutrients and balance the meal
- Use unsalted butter or replace it with a healthier fat, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Reduce the portion size of the egg dippers and consider them as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic ham and cheese sandwiches by transforming them into dippable rolls paired with soft-boiled eggs. The combination of textures—crispy bread, melted cheese, and tender ham—creates a satisfying bite. The process is straightforward, though rolling out the bread might be a bit tedious. The ice bath for the eggs ensures they are perfectly cooked and easy to peel. Overall, it's a fun and interactive dish, perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
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Why trust this Ham & Cheese Egg Dippers Recipe:
This recipe combines the classic flavors of ham and cheddar cheese with the comforting texture of white bread. The eggs are perfectly boiled to create a delightful dipping experience. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. The use of butter for frying adds a rich, golden crust to the bread rolls, making them irresistible. Trust this recipe for a fun and tasty twist on traditional breakfast items.
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