Shaved Ham on Cheddar Shortbread with Apple Jam

Name: Shaved Ham on Cheddar Shortbread with Apple Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch cayenne; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled; Sour cream; 1/2 pound good quality ham, thinly sliced and torn into 1-by-2-inch pieces; Apple Jam, recipe follows; Flat-leaf parsley, for garnish; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; Pinch kosher salt

Servings: persons

2 cups all-purpose flour
12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch cayenne
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
Sour cream
1/2 pound good quality ham, thinly sliced and torn into 1-by-2-inch pieces
Apple Jam, recipe follows
Flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 teaspoon allspice
Pinch kosher salt

1
Put the flour, Cheddar, salt, pepper, sugar, baking powder, and cayenne into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
2
Pulse a few times to combine.
3
Cut the butter into small bits and add to the flour all at once.
4
Pulse just until the dough begins to come together.
5
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until all the butter is combined.
6
Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a log roughly 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
7
Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
8
Preheat the oven to 350F.
9
Slice each log into 1/4-inch rounds.
10
Place the rounds on a baking sheet and bake them in the top half of the oven for 1520 minutes.
11
Remove and let cool 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
12
To assemble the hors doeuvres, put a small dollop of sour cream onto each shortbread.
13
Fold a piece of the ham and place it on top of the sour cream.
14
Top with the apple jam and garnish with a parsley leaf.
15
Put the vinegar and sugar into a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
16
Stir to dissolve the sugar, then add the apple, allspice, and salt.
17
Cook until the consistency of jelly, about 20 minutes.
18
Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

1181

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Shaved Ham on Cheddar Shortbread with Apple Jam falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!