Ham & Cheese Pull-Apart Bread

Here is a question for you: since when did the word “cheesy” develop a negative association? The word “cheesy” is slang for cheap, unpleasant, or blatantly inauthentic. However, I think that being cheesy should be a good thing. Cheese is delicious. Cheese is rich, flavorful and versatile.

Then, we have the word smoky, which very literally means, “having a flavor, taste, or appearance of smoke.” Though smoke often accompanies the presence of fire, being “smokin'” is a good thing.

Sometimes, I just don’t understand the English language.

What I do understand though, is cheese. Cheddar cheese, sourdough bread, and Black Forest ham, to be most specific.

There is a pizza place in my neighborhood that in addition to pizza, has the most obscenely indulgent menu of bar snacks you’ll ever see. Think: piles of seasoned French fries, every fried snack imaginable and a loaf of cheesy pull apart bread that probably deliver a week’s worth of calories for a family of four.

Luckily for you, if you don’t live in Chicago or if you care about fitting into your jeans again, you can make a version at home that has to be less indulgent than beer bread topped with garlic, two different types of cheeses, pepperoni, cream and garlic. Now, this recipe is far from health food, but because you can moderate the amount of cheese and butter you use and substitute pepperoni for Boar’s Head SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked™ Black Forest Ham, you can enjoy every bite.

In the spirit of football season and tailgate parties, we created a few of our own SmokeHouse rules to keep all of your fall dishes flavorful and nourishing.

When You Splurge, Splurge

If you decide that you’re going to eat pizza, don’t pull off the cheese and pile it full of vegetables you don’t like! Eat what you like, but have one slice and pair it with a big, green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Use The Good Stuff, But Less of It

Speaking of the good stuff… there is no point in making a delicious, creamy dip or a rich, cheese-laden bread if you’re going to use fat-free cheese full of unsatisfying fillers. When you buy fresh ingredients, they taste better, so you’ll need less cheese to feel satisfied. Just watch portions.

Use High Quality Meats

I grew up eating sandwiches for most lunch and whether turkey, chicken, roast beef, or ham my mother has always been a longtime fan of Boar’s Head products. Now, I understand why. Crafted with the finest ingredients and exceptional care, this ham is naturally smoked with imported German beechwood. The result is a delicious, distinct flavor that is rich and smooth…and pairs perfectly with white or extra sharp cheddar cheese.

For more Smoke House Rules, visit the Boar’s Head Smoke House Rules sweepstakes, and enter for a chance to win a gift card by sharing your own culinary rules for creating the perfect smoked recipes.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.