Dad always sneaks a batch of these before guests arrive. Just 3 ingredients. Warm, melted, and impossibly savory.

For a little kick, you can sprinkle the top with freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking—this doesn’t add to the ingredient count in any serious way, but it does change the flavor. If you want a smokier vibe, use smoked white cheddar or smoked ham. To keep things very low carb, double-check that your deli ham doesn’t have added sugars or honey in the ingredient list.

You can also assemble the layers a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate; just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold. Food safety tips: keep ham refrigerated until you’re ready to layer, and don’t leave the baked dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours—cool leftovers quickly, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven so the cheese re-melts and the edges crisp back up, instead of getting rubbery in the microwave.