Easy Bisquick Impossible Ham & Cheese Pie – A Classic, Comforting, Foolproof Dinner or Brunch Favorite
There’s something magical about the classic Bisquick Impossible Pies. They combine simple pantry ingredients, minimal effort, and comforting flavors into one dish that practically cooks itself. And among all the impossible pies, none is more famous or beloved than the Impossible Ham & Cheese Pie — a creamy, cheesy, savory blend of diced ham, melty cheese, tender egg mixture, and a golden Bisquick crust that forms all on its own while baking.
This recipe has been around for generations, appearing in vintage cookbooks, church potlucks, grandmother kitchens, 80s family dinners, and busy weeknight meal rotations. The reason it’s stood the test of time? It’s easy, affordable, reliable, and universally loved.
Whether you’re making a quick dinner, prepping a make-ahead breakfast, or feeding a crowd at brunch, this ham & cheese impossible pie is the definition of effortless comfort food.
Let’s break down exactly why it works, how to customize it, and how to achieve the best texture every time.
Why the Impossible Ham & Cheese Pie Is Such a Hit
1. “Dump-and-bake” ease
No fancy steps. No mixing bowls required. Just layer ingredients, pour on the batter, and bake.
2. Bisquick magic
As it bakes, the Bisquick sinks and rises in places, forming a light, subtle crust without needing dough.
3. Perfect for all meals
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner — it works with everything.
4. Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Mild flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness make it universally appealing.
5. Budget-friendly
Uses leftover ham, simple dairy ingredients, and pantry staples.
6. Customizable
Add veggies, switch cheeses, make it spicy — endless possibilities.
How Impossible Pies Work
Impossible pies are a classic American baking concept introduced by Bisquick in the 1970s. Instead of a traditional pie crust, you mix a batter of Bisquick, eggs, and milk. During baking, that batter naturally separates and forms a lightly structured bottom layer while the filling sets into a custardy, quiche-like center.
The result is a dish that tastes like a cross between a quiche, a casserole, and a savory pie — but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham (cooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss (optional)
- ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup Bisquick mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust based on ham saltiness)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven.
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish. - Layer the filling.
Add diced ham, shredded cheddar, mozzarella or Swiss, and onions to the bottom of the pie dish. Spread evenly. - Mix the batter.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk, Bisquick, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. - Pour over the filling.
Slowly pour the batter mixture evenly over the ham and cheese in the dish. - Bake.
Bake 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. - Rest before slicing.
Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes to firm up for clean slices. - Serve warm.
Garnish with parsley or green onion if desired.
Easy Bisquick Impossible Ham & Cheese Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Layer diced ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella or Swiss, and onions in the dish.
- Whisk milk, Bisquick, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture evenly over the ham and cheese.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast/Brunch:
- With fruit salad
- With a side of hash browns or pan-fried potatoes
- With crispy bacon
- With fresh greens
Lunch/Dinner:
- With a simple garden salad
- With roasted vegetables
- With soup (tomato, broccoli cheddar, potato, etc.)
Variations
Veggie Ham & Cheese Pie
Add:
- diced bell peppers
- spinach
- broccoli
- mushrooms (sauté first)
Cheesy Explosion Version
Use 2 cups cheese: cheddar + Swiss + Monterey Jack.
Spicy Jalapeño Ham Pie
Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Low-Carb Version
Use CarbQuik or a homemade keto-friendly baking mix.
Holiday Leftover Version
Use leftover ham from Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter — it works perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Impossible Pie
Dice ham small
Ensures even distribution and better texture.
Don’t overbake
Bake until just set — overbaking can make it dry.
Use whole milk for best richness
2% works, skim is not recommended.
Let it rest
This gives the pie structure and prevents collapse.
Bake uncovered
The golden top is essential.
Why This Pie Works for Any Occasion
The Impossible Ham & Cheese Pie is essentially a simplified quiche, but with more structure and less fuss. It’s hearty enough for dinner, light enough for brunch, and comforting enough for any cozy home meal. Families love it because it’s simple, reliable, and kid-approved — and cooks love it because it takes minutes to assemble.
If you need a no-stress recipe that ALWAYS comes out right, this is the one.
