These warm, crispy baguette boats are filled with creamy garlic cheese sauce and topped with savory ham slices, baked to golden perfection—a comforting twist on stuffed bread that’s perfect for brunch or party platters. With a crunchy exterior and a soft, gooey center, they make for a delightful and indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy filling and crusty bread. The contrast in textures and the rich, savory flavor make these baguette boats irresistible. They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve in slices, and ideal for gatherings or a satisfying lunch. Plus, the ingredients are flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- small baguettes
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- cream cheese, softened
- sour cream
- garlic, minced
- chopped parsley
- black pepper
- cooked ham, thinly sliced
- butter, melted
- grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the tops off the baguettes lengthwise and hollow out just enough to create a trough.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed baguettes, spreading evenly.
- Top with sliced ham and lightly press into the filling.
- Brush melted butter over the edges of the bread and sprinkle with parmesan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden.
- Garnish with extra parsley and slice into portions to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 33 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute ham with turkey, bacon, or cooked sausage.
- Cheese Variety: Use cheddar, Swiss, or provolone in place of mozzarella for a new flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mix.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Mini Boats: Use small rolls instead of baguettes for party-sized portions.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispiness of the bread.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, ciabatta or hoagie rolls work well, but make sure they can be hollowed out and hold the filling.
Can I prepare the baguette boats ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead and store in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Are these good served cold?
They’re best served warm, but can be eaten at room temperature for picnics or lunchboxes.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and bake immediately after assembling for the crispiest texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free baguettes available at many grocery stores or bakeries.
Is it necessary to press the ham into the filling?
Gently pressing helps the ham stay in place and creates a cohesive texture when baked.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped cooked spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions are great additions.
What should I serve with these?
Pair with a fresh green salad, tomato soup, or fruit for a well-rounded meal.
Can I freeze the baguette boats?
It’s not recommended as the texture of the bread and filling may not hold up well after freezing and reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy Ham & Cheese Baguette Boats are a simple yet flavorful option for quick meals or entertaining. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite. Serve them warm, sliced, and watch them disappear at any gathering or family meal.
Print
Creamy Ham & Cheese Baguette Boats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Halal
Description
Warm and crispy baguette boats filled with a creamy garlic cheese mixture and savory ham, baked to golden perfection—ideal for brunch, snacks, or party platters.
Ingredients
- 2 small baguettes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the tops off the baguettes lengthwise and hollow out just enough to create a trough.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed baguettes, spreading evenly.
- Top with sliced ham and lightly press into the filling.
- Brush melted butter over the edges of the bread and sprinkle with parmesan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden.
- Garnish with extra parsley and slice into portions to serve.
Notes
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Use turkey or chicken instead of ham for a different protein option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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