Broccoli Ham Ring: A Delicious and Festive Centerpiece Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both delicious and relatively easy to make? Look no further than the Broccoli Ham Ring! This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a special family dinner. The combination of tender broccoli, savory ham, creamy cheese sauce, and a flaky crust creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Plus, its beautiful ring shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for any table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Ham Ring

* **Impressive Presentation:** The ring shape is visually appealing and makes a statement.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The broccoli, ham, cheese, and pastry create a harmonious blend of savory and comforting flavors.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the fillings with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or meats.
* **Perfect for Gatherings:** It’s easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for parties and potlucks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the ring before baking.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Broccoli:** 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets, or 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained.
* **Ham:** 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your preference).
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
* **Onion:** 1/4 cup finely chopped onion.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove garlic, minced.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough:** 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets, or 1 (14.1-ounce) can seamless crescent dough sheet. If using crescent rolls, firmly press the seams together.
* **Optional Toppings:** Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, shredded Parmesan cheese.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for steaming or boiling broccoli
* Colander for draining broccoli
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Small bowl for egg wash (if using)
* Pastry brush (if using)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**

* **Fresh Broccoli:** Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. Steam or boil them until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water.
* **Chop the Broccoli:** Roughly chop the broccoli into smaller pieces. You don’t want them too finely chopped, as you want to retain some texture.

**Step 2: Make the Filling**

* **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
* **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content in the ham and cheese, and adjust accordingly.
* **Mix Well:** Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and hold its shape.

**Step 3: Assemble the Ring**

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the ring from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Unroll the Dough:** Open the cans of crescent roll dough. If using crescent roll sheets, lay one sheet on the prepared baking sheet. If using regular crescent rolls, unroll the dough and firmly pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet.
* **Arrange the Dough:** Arrange the crescent roll dough sheet into a ring shape on the baking sheet. You can do this by overlapping the short ends of the dough to form a circle with a hole in the center. The ring should be about 10-12 inches in diameter.
* **Spread the Filling:** Evenly spread the broccoli and ham filling over the dough ring, leaving about a 1-inch border around the inner and outer edges.
* **Top with Second Dough Sheet:** Carefully lay the second crescent roll dough sheet over the filling, covering it completely. If using crescent rolls, repeat the process of pinching the seams together and laying it over the filling. You might need to gently stretch the dough to fit over the filling.
* **Seal the Edges:** Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make slits from the outer edge of the dough ring to the inner edge, about 1-inch apart. Twist each strip of dough so that the filling is partially visible. This creates a decorative, twisted edge.
* **Seal the Inner Ring:** Gently pinch the inner edges of the dough together to seal the filling in. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

**Step 4: Bake the Ring**

* **Optional Egg Wash:** For a golden brown crust, lightly brush the top of the ring with a beaten egg. This will also help the toppings adhere better.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sprinkle the ring with your favorite toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded Parmesan cheese.
* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through and bubbly.

**Step 5: Cool and Serve**

* **Cool Slightly:** Remove the baked ring from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
* **Slice and Serve:** Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the ring into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
* **Meat Variations:** Substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, sausage, or bacon.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make a gluten-free version.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables or vegetarian sausage crumbles.
* **Make Ahead:** Prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the ring just before baking.
* **Freezing:** Baked broccoli ham ring can be frozen. Allow to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a preheated 350F oven until heated through.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve the Broccoli Ham Ring as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Main Course:** Serve it as a main course for a casual dinner or brunch, accompanied by a side salad or soup.
* **Brunch:** It’s a perfect addition to a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites like eggs, bacon, and fruit.
* **Potluck:** It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and share at a potluck.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 15-20g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the filling.

**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the ring just before baking.

**Q: Can I freeze the Broccoli Ham Ring?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked ring. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella.

**Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the ring from getting soggy?**
A: Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the ring from sticking and becoming soggy.

**Q: My crescent dough is tearing. What should I do?**
A: If your crescent dough is tearing, try letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. You can also use a little water to help seal the tears.

**Q: The filling is leaking out during baking. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Make sure you have properly sealed the edges of the dough. Pinch the edges together firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out. Also, avoid overfilling the ring.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them slightly before adding them to the filling.

**Q: How do I reheat leftover Broccoli Ham Ring?**
A: Reheat leftover Broccoli Ham Ring in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

## Conclusion

The Broccoli Ham Ring is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its impressive presentation, delightful flavor combination, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to bake a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Enjoy! It’s a simple change from your usual recipes and the prep time is minimal. You can prepare it ahead of time or even freeze it for later use, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals. The combination of the salty ham, creamy cheese, and slightly bitter broccoli is a match made in heaven. The flaky crust adds a delightful textural contrast, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a casual family gathering, the Broccoli Ham Ring is a surefire way to impress your guests. Its attractive appearance and delicious taste will make it a standout dish that everyone will remember. So why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite recipe!