Mom whipped this up for every late summer block party in the 1980s, decades before anyone called such food low carb. With 4 simple items, they quietly disappear from the serving platter within

These low carb 4-ingredient ham Blackwood bakes are the kind of old-fashioned party food that never really goes out of style. Built from a handful of simple ingredients and baked until hot, bubbly, and golden at the edges, they make an easy appetizer, potluck tray, or quick family supper when you want something filling without much fuss. This style of baked ham-and-cheese dish has that comforting church-basement and block-party feel, with simple pantry ingredients doing all the work.

Serve these warm squares with a crisp green salad, sliced tomatoes, dill pickles, or a bowl of marinated cucumbers for a fresh contrast to the rich cheese and ham. They also fit right in on an appetizer table with deviled eggs, olives, and raw vegetables, and for folks who are not watching carbs, a basket of crackers or toasted bread on the side works nicely.

Low Carb 4-Ingredient Ham Blackwood Bakes

Servings: 8

Low carb ham Blackwood bakes on a white serving platter

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups chopped cooked ham
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Measured ham, cream cheese, eggs, and cheddar on a kitchen counter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the beaten eggs until well combined.

Cream cheese and eggs being mixed in a bowl

3. Fold in the chopped ham and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Ham and cheddar folded into the creamy mixture

4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top so it bakes up evenly.

Ham and cheese mixture spread in a square baking dish

5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the center is set and the top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Freshly baked ham Blackwood bake with golden edges

6. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Plated ham Blackwood bake squares served with simple sides

Variations & Tips

For picky eaters: Chop the ham very finely so the texture blends into the cheesy filling a little more. If your family likes milder flavors, use Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar instead of sharp cheddar.

Make-ahead tip: You can mix everything together earlier in the day, spread it into the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Add a little color: If you do not need to keep it strictly to four ingredients, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a little chopped parsley on top after baking makes the platter look extra inviting for guests.

Change the meat: This same easy method works nicely with chopped cooked turkey or roast chicken if you have leftovers to use up. The bake will still be hearty, simple, and family friendly.