Indulge in the comforting warmth of a hot ham and Swiss dip, perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. This creamy and savory dish combines the rich flavors of ham and Swiss cheese, all melted together for a delightful dip.
One ingredient you might not always have in your pantry is cocktail rye bread. This small, dense bread is perfect for dipping and adds a unique flavor to the dish. You can conveniently find it in the bread aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
deli ham: Pre-sliced ham from the deli counter, ideal for quick preparation.
cream cheese: Adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dip.
condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides a rich and earthy flavor.
condensed cream of celery soup: Adds a subtle and savory depth.
swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, offering a nutty and mild flavor.
cocktail rye bread: Dense and flavorful, perfect for serving with the dip.
One reader, Jobye Rowell says:
This hot ham and swiss dip is a crowd-pleaser! The creamy blend of cheeses and savory ham is perfect on cocktail rye. Easy to make in a slow cooker, it's a hit at every gathering. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Hot Ham and Swiss Dip Recipe
How to combine ingredients in a slow cooker: Place the ham, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of celery soup into the slow cooker and mix them together. How to stir in cheese: Add the Swiss cheese to the mixture in the slow cooker and stir until it is evenly distributed. How to cook in a slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting. How to serve on cocktail rye slices: Spoon the hot dip onto individual slices of cocktail rye bread before serving.
How To Make Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
Spice up ordinary cocktail rye bread with this easy hot ham and swiss dip recipe made with deli ham, swiss cheese, and rich soup for a creamy side.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbdeli ham,thinly sliced, sliced into thin strips
- 8ozcream cheese,(1 package) cut into cubes
- 10¾ozcondensed cream of mushroom soup,undiluted
- 10¾ozcondensed cream of celery soup,undiluted
- 2cupsswiss cheese,shredded
- 1lbcocktail rye bread,(2 loaves)
Instructions
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In a slow cooker, combine the ham, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of celery soup.
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Stir in the Swiss cheese. Cover, and cook on Low for about 2 hours until cheese is melted, stirring occasionally.
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Serve on cocktail rye slices. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 505.82kcal
- Fat: 28.52g
- Saturated Fat: 13.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.13g
- Carbohydrates: 36.46g
- Fiber: 4.41g
- Sugar: 3.68g
- Protein: 25.57g
- Cholesterol: 96.15mg
- Sodium: 1476.54mg
- Calcium: 354.48mg
- Potassium: 364.81mg
- Iron: 2.52mg
- Vitamin A: 177.12µg
- Vitamin C: 2.53mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Hot Ham and Swiss Dip Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the ham, consider browning it slightly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will add a deeper, caramelized flavor to the dip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
Pre-chop the ham: Buy pre-chopped deli ham to save time on preparation.
Soften the cream cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for easier mixing.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded swiss cheese to skip the grating step.
Combine soups ahead: Mix the cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup in advance to streamline the process.
Utilize a liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup after cooking.
Pre-toast the bread: Toast the cocktail rye bread while the dip is cooking to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Hot Ham and Swiss Dip Recipe
deli ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast provides a similar texture and protein content, making it a suitable alternative for those who prefer poultry over pork.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat and higher in protein.
condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with condensed cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor, making it a good alternative.
condensed cream of celery soup - Substitute with condensed cream of broccoli soup: Cream of broccoli soup offers a similar creamy texture and a mild vegetable flavor that complements the dish.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor similar to Swiss cheese.
cocktail rye bread - Substitute with pumpernickel bread: Pumpernickel bread has a similar dense texture and robust flavor, making it a suitable alternative for serving the dip.
Presentation Ideas for a Delicious Ham and Swiss Dip
Serve in individual ramekins: Portion the hot ham and swiss dip into small, elegant ramekins for each guest. This adds a touch of sophistication and ensures each serving is perfectly presented.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Top each ramekin with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. The vibrant green color will contrast beautifully with the creamy dip, adding a burst of freshness.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Instead of cocktail rye bread, serve the dip with thin slices of toasted artisan baguette or sourdough. The rustic bread will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall presentation.
Use a decorative serving tray: Arrange the ramekins and bread slices on a stylish serving tray. Add small bowls of cornichons and whole grain mustard for an extra touch of elegance and flavor variety.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the dip just before serving. The rich aroma and taste of truffle will impress even the most discerning palates.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the tray with a few edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies. These will add a pop of color and a whimsical touch to the presentation.
Serve with a side of pickled vegetables: Offer a small selection of pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, and cucumbers. The acidity will balance the richness of the dip and provide a refreshing contrast.
Create a layered effect: In each ramekin, layer the ham and cheese mixture with additional slices of swiss cheese on top. This will create a visually appealing, multi-layered effect when guests dip into it.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, from the deli ham to the cream cheese, are of the highest quality. This will not only enhance the flavor but also demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Serve warm and fresh: Make sure the dip is served warm, straight from the slow cooker. The melted cheese and creamy texture will be at their best, providing a comforting and indulgent experience for your guests.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
Slow cooker: Used to combine and cook the ingredients slowly, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the flavors meld together.
Mixing spoon: Essential for stirring the ingredients occasionally to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the correct amounts of cream cheese, soups, and swiss cheese.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to chop or dice the deli ham if it isn't pre-chopped.
Knife: Used to cut the deli ham into smaller pieces if necessary.
Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the cocktail rye bread slices and serving the hot dip.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the hot dip from the slow cooker to the serving platter or directly onto the rye bread slices.
Cheese grater: If using a block of swiss cheese, this tool will help grate it into smaller pieces for easier melting.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
- Let the hot ham and swiss dip cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- If storing in the refrigerator, the dip will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to serve, reheat the refrigerated dip in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- If freezing, the dip can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen dip to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Reheat the thawed dip in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Note: The texture of the cream cheese and swiss cheese may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious.
- If the dip appears separated after thawing, stir it vigorously to recombine the ingredients before reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham and Swiss Dip
Reheat the leftover hot ham and swiss dip in a slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. This method ensures that the dip maintains its creamy texture and the flavors meld together beautifully.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the leftover dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may cause the cream cheese to separate.
If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your reheated dip, transfer the leftover dip to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle some extra shredded swiss cheese on top, and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the dip to prevent burning.
For a stovetop reheating method, place the leftover dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the dip from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
If the reheated dip seems a bit thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the dip.
Interesting Trivia About Ham and Swiss Dip
A fun fact about this hot ham and swiss dip recipe is that it combines the savory flavors of ham, cream cheese, and swiss cheese with the creamy textures of cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup. This makes it a rich and satisfying appetizer, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Is Making Hot Ham and Swiss Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
This hot ham and swiss dip recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using deli ham, cream cheese, and condensed soups keeps the costs low while providing a rich and satisfying dish. The swiss cheese adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and deliciousness.
Is This Dip Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This hot ham and swiss dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - deli ham, cream cheese, condensed cream soups, and swiss cheese - are all high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Consuming excessive amounts of these nutrients can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, which are essential for maintaining a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the deli ham with a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken breast
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium condensed soups to decrease the overall fat and salt content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dip, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the dip with whole-grain crackers or sliced vegetables instead of cocktail rye bread to boost the fiber intake and reduce the refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat variety of swiss cheese to minimize the saturated fat content
- Control portion sizes to prevent overconsumption of calories and unhealthy ingredients
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dip Recipe
This hot ham and swiss dip recipe is a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of creamy cheeses and savory soups creates a rich, indulgent base, while the ham adds a satisfying, meaty texture. Serving it on cocktail rye bread provides a perfect, slightly tangy contrast that complements the dip's flavors. However, consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a simple yet flavorful dish that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Hot Ham and Swiss Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Dip Recipes to Try
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with Hot Ham and Swiss Dip
Why trust this Hot Ham and Swiss Dip Recipe:
This hot ham and swiss dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the savory flavors of deli ham and swiss cheese with the creamy textures of cream cheese and condensed soups. The slow cooker method ensures a perfectly melted, gooey dip that's easy to prepare. Serve it on cocktail rye bread for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, deliciousness, and the comfort it brings to any gathering.
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