Hot Ham and Cheese Dip

There's no way on earth you'll only have one bite of this dip. MORE+ LESS-

By Bev Cooks

March 8, 2017

Ingredients

slices smoked ham, finely chopped

block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

cup shredded cheddar cheese

cup shredded Swiss cheese

pinch cayenne pepper

tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Mini toasts, crackers or freshly sliced bread, for serving

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1

Start by gathering your ingredients.
2

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine the ham, cream cheese, 3/4 cup each of the Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and the pinch of cayenne in a glass bowl.
3

Microwave for about 45 seconds to soften the cheeses. Mix together until smooth and transfer to a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the dip.
4

Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook 2-5 minutes longer, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
5

Garnish with parsley and serve with toasts, crackers or bread.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

There was very little anyone could do to prepare me for what took place in my kitchen just a few short days ago. It started off as any normal day, much like today. Breeze from the Southwest, colorful spring blooms permeating the air, hair looking like utter chaos. And then I got snacky. Like, really really snacky. And with my cheese-hating hubs out of town (you just fainted, didn't you?) I knew it had to be cheesy. Like, really really cheesy. And baked and bubbly. With chunks of ham in it. And a dash of cayenne. This was going to be good. So I got started. Chopped up my ham. Mixed up my three (THREE!) cheeses. Spread it into a baking dish, la dee da, whatevs. Sprinkled more cheese on top because it's my life and I can do that sort of thing. Threw it into the oven. Brushed my hair. Checked Twitter. Checked the ham and cheese dip. Checked Facebook. Watched a video of my American Idol crush but I can't get into that right now because we have heavenly ham and cheese dip to check on again. And then it was ready. It bubbled. It sang to me. It smelled like the place where dreams come true. And then I went and ruined my entire life by taking a bite of one of life's greatest gifts. Okay 57 bites. This is VERY easy to make, but if I pass out while trying to tell you, you'll understand, right? We have cheese, cheese, more cheese, some ham, a pinch of cayenne and some toasties. My heart is always bubbling.