Savory Ham, Olive & Herb Cake

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🧀 Savory Ham, Olive & Herb Cake (French-Style Savory Loaf)

🌟 Introduction

Savory Ham, Olive & Herb Cake is a soft, fluffy, and flavorful baked loaf filled with cheese, olives, herbs, and diced ham. Unlike sweet cakes, this is a savory bread-style cake, perfect for brunch, picnics, tea time, or light dinners.

It has a golden crust outside and a moist, aromatic interior packed with Mediterranean flavors. Easy to slice and serve, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that looks elegant yet is simple to prepare.

📜 History

Savory cakes became popular in France as “Cake Salé” (savory cake). French home cooks began adding cheese, olives, vegetables, and meats into basic cake batter to create quick, portable meals.

Over time, this recipe spread across Europe and the Mediterranean region, where ingredients like olives, herbs, and cured meats are common. Today, savory loaf cakes are served at gatherings, buffets, and family meals.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 8–10 slices)

🥣 Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

🥚 Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

🧀 Fillings:

  • 1 cup diced ham or turkey
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère)
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Mixture

In another bowl:

  • Beat eggs
  • Add milk and olive oil
  • Mix until smooth

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix gently.

Step 5: Add Fillings

Fold in:

  • Ham
  • Cheese
  • Olives
  • Herbs

Mix carefully without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour into loaf pan
  • Bake 40–50 minutes
  • Check with toothpick (should come out clean)

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

🍳 Cooking Methods Variations

1️⃣ Classic Oven Method

Best for even baking and golden crust.

2️⃣ Muffin Version

Divide batter into muffin tins. Bake 20–25 minutes.

3️⃣ Air Fryer (Small Loaf)

Bake at 170°C for 25–30 minutes.

🧬 Formation (Food Structure)

  • Eggs provide structure and binding.
  • Baking powder creates air bubbles for fluffiness.
  • Cheese melts and adds moisture.
  • Olive oil keeps the loaf soft.
  • Gluten from flour builds the cake framework.

The result: soft crumb + golden crust + flavorful fillings.

💪 Benefits

✔ High in protein (eggs + ham + cheese)
✔ Energy-rich
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Portable and easy to store
✔ Customizable ingredients
✔ Can include vegetables for added nutrients

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

  • Calories: 220–280 kcal
  • Protein: 8–10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20–25g
  • Fat: 15–18g
  • Calcium: Moderate
  • Iron: Moderate

(Nutritional values vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Flavor Variations

  • 🥦 Add broccoli or spinach
  • 🌶 Add red bell peppers
  • 🧄 Add garlic and thyme
  • 🥓 Replace ham with chicken
  • 🧀 Add feta for Mediterranean taste
  • 🥕 Make vegetarian version with mixed vegetables

❤️ Who Loves This Recipe?

  • Brunch lovers
  • Picnic enthusiasts
  • Families
  • Kids (cheesy flavor!)
  • Office lunch packers
  • Mediterranean food fans
  • Home bakers

🧁 Expert Tips

✔ Do not overmix batter (keeps it fluffy)
✔ Toss fillings in flour before adding (prevents sinking)
✔ Use room temperature eggs
✔ Let cool slightly before slicing
✔ Store in fridge up to 4 days

🏡 Serving Ideas

  • Serve warm with salad
  • Pair with soup
  • Enjoy as breakfast with tea or coffee
  • Perfect for Ramadan iftar
  • Ideal for gatherings and parties

🎉 Conclusion

Savory Ham, Olive & Herb Cake is a delicious, versatile, and satisfying dish that combines the comfort of bread with rich Mediterranean flavors. Its moist texture, cheesy aroma, and colorful fillings make it a guaranteed favorite.

Easy to prepare. Elegant to serve. Loved by all ages.

Golden crust outside. Soft, flavorful inside. 🧀🍞✨

If you like, I can also give you:

  • Moroccan-style savory cake 🇲🇦
  • Vegetarian healthy version
  • Professional bakery version
  • Step-by-step photo guide version
  • Low-carb version 😊

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