2. Meta Info
Servings: 10 slices
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: Approximately 190–220
Protein: Approximately 10–12 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 18–21 g
Fat: Approximately 8–10 g
Fiber: Approximately 1 g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the cheese, ham, and exact ingredient brands used.
3. Intro Paragraph
If you love savory baked goods, this Weight Watchers-friendly savory loaf is a delicious change from sweet breakfast breads. It has a tender, cheesy crumb filled with bits of ham, black olives, herbs, and colorful vegetables.
The texture is soft and moist inside with a beautifully golden crust on top. The combination of salty ham, melted cheese, olives, and fresh herbs gives this savory ham and cheese loaf plenty of flavor without requiring a complicated recipe.
Slice it for breakfast, pack it for lunch, or serve it alongside a crisp salad for an easy meal. This savory loaf is simple to portion, easy to prepare ahead, and perfect when you want something homemade and satisfying.
4. Look at the Recipe
- Tender and golden: A lightly crisp exterior surrounds a soft, savory center packed with flavorful ingredients.
- Classic savory flavors: Ham, cheese, olives, herbs, and vegetables create a delicious combination in every slice.
- Easy to portion: Bake once, slice, and refrigerate individual portions for convenient meals or snacks.
5. Ingredients Needed
For the Savory Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 4 oz (115 g) lean ham, finely diced
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan for the top
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor
6. How to Make Our Savory Ham, Olive & Herb Loaf
- Prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
- Whisk the wet ingredients. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and olive oil until well combined.
- Combine the mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Add the fillings. Fold in the diced ham, cheese, olives, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Make sure the ingredients are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill the pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
- Bake. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool. Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Slice and serve. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This gives the crumb time to set and makes cleaner slices.
For a portion-conscious meal, pair one slice with vegetables, fruit, or a simple salad rather than making the loaf the entire meal.
7. Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storing: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf or place slices in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or heat them gently in a toaster oven.
Freezing: Slice the cooled loaf and wrap individual portions before freezing. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving: Enjoy a slice with scrambled eggs for breakfast, a green salad for lunch, or roasted vegetables for dinner.
8. Tips & FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes. Diced cooked turkey or chicken works well and can create a slightly lighter-tasting loaf.
What cheese is best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a reduced-fat cheese blend all work. Swiss cheese pairs particularly well with the ham and herbs.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Finely diced zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can be added. Avoid adding too much moisture, as excess liquid can make the loaf dense.
Why is my savory loaf crumbly?
It may have been baked too long or sliced while very hot. Letting the loaf cool for at least 10–15 minutes helps it firm up before slicing.
Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes. Bake the loaf ahead, cool completely, and slice into individual portions. Refrigerated slices make convenient grab-and-go meals for several days.
9. SEO Enhancements
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Recipe Note: The uploaded image shows a savory loaf containing ham, olives, herbs, vegetables, and cheese. Because the original recipe measurements are not visible, the ingredient quantities above are a practical reconstruction designed to produce a similar texture and appearance.
