Ham & Cheese Appetizers

These baked appetizer bars are the definition of low effort, high reward. Everything goes into one bowl, gets mixed together, spread in a pan, and baked until golden. Smoked ham, two kinds of cheese, onion, garlic, and sour cream all bound together by Bisquick baking mix and baked into a savory slab you cut into rectangles.

The Bisquick base gives the bars a soft, biscuit-like texture that holds all the filling ingredients together without being bready or doughy. Swiss cheese (or cheddar) melts into the interior while grated Parmesan adds a salty, sharp note throughout. The sour cream keeps everything moist and adds a slight tang that plays well against the smoky ham.

This is a great make-ahead party recipe. You can prep the mixture, spread it in the pan, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Slice into small rectangles for finger food, or larger pieces for a more substantial snack.

Kitchen Tips

• Chop the ham finely so it distributes evenly through the batter. Large chunks will sink to the bottom and leave some pieces without any meat.
• Grease the pan well. The melted cheese sticks hard to an ungreased surface and makes cleanup miserable.
• Let the bars cool for 5 minutes before cutting. They hold together better when they’ve firmed up slightly and the cheese has set.
• These reheat well in a low oven. Microwave reheating makes the Bisquick base rubbery.

Variations

• Use diced cooked bacon instead of ham for a smokier, crunchier version.
• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the batter for a sharper flavor that pairs well with both cheeses.
• Stir in diced roasted red peppers or pickled jalapenos for color and a little heat.