Ham and Cheese Party Loaf

A loaf of French bread is stuffed with a savory ham salad and cubes of Swiss and cheddar cheese. Make ahead of time and keep well-wrapped in the refrigerator before slicing thinly to serve.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ham, ground fine
10 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 1/2 ounces Swiss cheese, in one piece
1 1/2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, in one piece
1 long slender loaf French bread, about 12 ounces
12 gherkins

Cooking Directions:

1. In large bowl combine butter, mustard, allspice, nutmeg, pepper and thyme; mix until smooth. Add ground ham to butter mixture; blending well.
2. Slice Swiss and cheddar cheese into 1/4-inch thick sticks.
   
3. Turn bread top side down; cut off ends. Make a lengthwise cut down the center of the loaf from one end to the other, being careful not to cut through top side. Spread the bread apart carefully; hollow it out, leaving about 1/2-inch thick shell. (The bread removed from the center can be dried and used for bread crumbs).
   
4. Press half the ham mixture into the bread. Arrange the Swiss cheese sticks lengthwise in one row; arrange the gherkins as the center row, the cheddar as the third row. Press the remaining ham mixture on top. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; then in foil. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
   
5. To serve, slice filled loaf thinly; arrange slices, overlapping, on serving tray.

Makes about 24 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Pork, Be Inspired®.