Introduction
Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make French snack that’s perfect for any occasion? Mini cakes jambon fromage – or mini ham and cheese cakes – are a classic savory treat from France that combine soft, fluffy texture with the rich flavors of diced ham and melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing for a festive apéritif, a casual brunch, or a quick savory bite, these bite-sized delights never disappoint. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, they bring a touch of French flair to your table—no culinary degree required!
What Are Mini Cakes Jambon Fromage?
Mini cakes jambon fromage are small, savory French cakes made with ham and cheese.
They’re popular as appetizers, snacks, or additions to a brunch or picnic menu.
These mini cakes are usually baked in muffin tins for individual portions.
The texture is soft, moist, and slightly fluffy, much like a savory muffin.
“Jambon” means ham in French, and “fromage” translates to cheese.
The combination of ham and cheese offers a rich, satisfying flavor.
They are part of the traditional French “apéritif” or cocktail hour spread.
You’ll find them served at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
The base is typically a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder.
To this base, diced ham and grated cheese are gently folded in.
Common cheese choices include Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté for a nutty taste.
Some variations include herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
They can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature.
These mini cakes are very easy to store and reheat later.
You can even freeze them for future use without losing texture.
They differ from sweet cakes by using no sugar and featuring savory ingredients.
Think of them as the French cousin of the English savory muffin.
Kids love them as lunchbox items, and adults enjoy them with wine.
They’re also a clever way to use leftover ham or cheese.
Mini cakes jambon fromage offer a quick, crowd-pleasing solution for any event.
They strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and gourmet flavor.
Whether for a casual snack or an elegant apéritif, they always impress.
These delightful mini cakes prove that simple ingredients can create delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This French-Style Recipe
To make delicious mini cakes jambon fromage, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients.
The base ingredients are simple: flour, eggs, milk, oil, and baking powder.
These provide the structure and soft texture of the savory cakes.
Use all-purpose flour for best results, though you can try whole wheat for a healthier twist.
Eggs help bind everything together and create a rich texture.
Milk adds moisture and helps balance the saltiness of the ham and cheese.
Vegetable oil keeps the cakes soft and moist even after cooling.
Baking powder ensures the cakes rise and stay light inside.
Now let’s talk about the stars: jambon and fromage.
Use diced ham, preferably cooked, smoked, or even leftover roasted ham.
Avoid overly wet or watery ham, which may affect texture.
For cheese, go with a flavorful option like Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté.
These cheeses melt beautifully and add a mild nutty flavor.
Grate the cheese yourself for better melting and no added starch.
You can also add optional ingredients to personalize your mini cakes.
Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme pair well with the cheese.
A pinch of black pepper or nutmeg adds subtle depth.
Some people add sautéed onions or bell peppers for more complexity.
Keep it simple or get creative—it’s a very forgiving recipe.
If you’re vegetarian, replace ham with diced vegetables or meat substitutes.
Mini cakes jambon fromage are versatile and easily adapted to your taste.
These ingredients are affordable, easy to find, and ideal for meal prep.
Now that you’ve got everything, let’s move on to baking them perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Mini Cakes Jambon Fromage
Preheat your oven and prepare your muffin tin
Start with a preheated oven set to 180°C (350°F) for even, reliable baking results.
This temperature works perfectly for any easy savory cake recipe.
Grease your muffin tin with butter or spray to prevent sticking.
Alternatively, use paper muffin liners for easy removal and clean-up.
Place the tin on a flat baking tray for better stability during baking.
Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Mix well to evenly distribute the rising agent throughout the flour.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Overmixing can make the texture dense instead of light and airy.
Add ham and cheese to the batter, stir gently
Fold in diced ham and grated cheese like Gruyère or Comté for rich flavor.
Use a spatula or spoon and mix just until evenly distributed.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a French-style flavor boost.
Optional: season with pepper or nutmeg for extra depth.
Fill muffin cups and bake until golden and puffed (~20 minutes)
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full.
Tap the tray gently to remove trapped air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until golden and puffed.
Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done.
Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a rack or serving warm.
Conclusion
Mini cakes jambon fromage are the perfect blend of French charm and everyday simplicity.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a quick snack, or planning an apéritif, these savory bites deliver every time.
Made with basic ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs, they’re easy to bake and impossible to resist.
You can enjoy them warm from the oven or serve them cold at your next gathering.
With a little creativity, you can also personalize them with herbs, vegetables, or different cheeses.
This easy savory cake recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
So grab your muffin tin and start baking—your guests (and tastebuds) will thank you!
