These little ham caldwell bites are the kind of simple party food that never goes out of style. I first knew them as a bridge-club favorite, passed from one good cook to another back when practical recipes mattered more than fancy names, and that is still part of their charm. With just three ingredients, they come together fast, bake up savory and golden, and happen to fit neatly into a low-carb table without anyone feeling like they are missing a thing.
Serve these warm on a relish tray with celery sticks, dill pickles, olives, and sliced radishes for an easy luncheon spread, or set them out with a big crisp green salad if you want to make a light supper of it. They also fit right in beside deviled eggs, a dish of mustard for dipping, or a pot of hot coffee when folks are gathered around cards, conversation, or a holiday appetizer table.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Ham Caldwell Bites
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups diced cooked ham
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 large egg, beaten
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the diced ham, shredded cheddar, and beaten egg until everything is evenly combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin cups, pressing it down gently, or form small mounds on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bites are hot through, lightly puffed, and golden around the edges.
5. Let the bites cool for 5 minutes, then remove and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Sharper Cheese: Extra-sharp cheddar gives these the boldest flavor, but you can use Colby jack or pepper jack if that is what you have on hand. Just be sure it is a good melting cheese so the bites hold together nicely.
Pan Choice: A mini muffin tin makes the neatest little bites for parties, but if you do not have one, small mounds on parchment work just fine. Keep them compact so they bake evenly and do not spread too much.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can mix the ingredients a few hours ahead and keep the bowl covered in the refrigerator until baking time. That makes these especially handy for holidays, card club, and supper when the kitchen is already busy.
Crisp Edge Version: For a slightly crisper outside, bake the mixture in well-spaced small mounds on a parchment-lined sheet pan instead of in muffin cups. You will get more browned edges and a little more texture in every bite.