ham cheddar and jalapeno bites

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 12-15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Intensity: Easy (A simple mix-and-bake recipe, perfect for beginners!)

• Yield: Makes approximately 24-30 bites

• Serving Size: 3-4 bites

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk (or 2%)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the pan

• 1 cup (about 5 oz / 140g) deli ham, finely diced

• 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, finely diced (see notes on spice level)

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Get Ready: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 24-count mini-muffin pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. If you don’t have a mini-muffin pan, you can use a regular 12-count muffin pan, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for a good rise.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.

4. Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix! The batter will be a little lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the bites tough.

5. Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and most of the diced jalapeños (reserve a small pinch for garnishing) into the batter. Fold just until everything is evenly distributed.

6. Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini-muffin pan, filling each cup almost to the top. The batter will be quite thick, so a small cookie scoop (like a #60 or #70) works great for this job and keeps things neat.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a bite comes out clean.

8. Cool and Garnish
Let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This is important, as it allows them to set and makes them easier to remove. Then, carefully run a knife or small offset spatula around the edges to loosen them and turn them out onto a wire cooling rack. Sprinkle the hot bites with the reserved fresh jalapeño and chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.

9. Serve and Enjoy!
These are best served warm. The cheese will be perfectly melty and the flavors will be at their peak. Watch them vanish!

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Notes & Tips for Success

• Spice Level: The heat of a jalapeño can vary. For a milder bite, be sure to remove all the white membranes and seeds, as that’s where most of the capsaicin (the compound that makes them hot) lives. For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds in.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up before baking.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes, to bring back their crispy exterior.

• Variations:

  • Swap the Meat: Try using cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped pepperoni, or diced smoked sausage instead of ham.

  • Change the Cheese: Pepper jack cheese is a fantastic substitute that will add even more heat and flavor. Monterey Jack or even a smoked gouda would also be delicious.

  • Add a Dip: These are fantastic with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a cool and creamy sour cream dip.

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Nutrition Information

Please note: The following nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, portion sizes, and any modifications made to the recipe. This calculation is based on the recipe as written, yielding 30 bites, with a serving size of 3 bites.