Bread Salad with Fontina and Black-Forest Ham Recipe

Bread Salad with Fontina and Black-Forest Ham Recipe

  • 1 (10 ounce) loaf country-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 pound fontina cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 rib celery, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 6 ounces sliced Black Forest ham, cut into strips approximately 1 1/2 by 1/2 inch
  1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Toss the bread cubes with the 3 tablespoons oil and spread on a large baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until crisp and lightly browned on the outside but still soft inside, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
  2. In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining 2/3 cup oil slowly, whisking.
  3. Add the toasted bread, cheese, tomatoes, celery, onion, and parsley and toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add the lettuce and ham and toss again.