Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham
User Reviews
5
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham
Description
The Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham features a rich cheese sauce created by cooking a roux from butter and flour, then whisking in milk, light cream, and seasonings like dry mustard and garlic powder. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses melt into the sauce, providing depth and a blend of creamy and nutty flavors. Elbow macaroni and broccoli florets are cooked and combined with cubed cooked ham before adding the sauce. This mixture is placed in a baking dish and topped with a mix of melted butter, Parmesan, and bread crumbs to achieve a textured crust once baked at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
The casserole delivers a satisfying mix of soft pasta, tender-crisp broccoli, and meaty ham, all enveloped in cheesy sauce with a crunchy topping. It pairs well with simple sides or can serve as a standalone meal. The topping offers a contrasting texture, complementing the smoothness of the interior.
For best results, the pasta and broccoli are drained and rinsed in cold water to prevent overcooking before mixing with the sauce. Baking until just hot helps avoid drying out the dish, preserving a creamy consistency inside.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup light cream
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups ham cubed, cooked
Topping
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes to cook it tender crisp. Drain and run under cold water.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let it cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in the cream, milk, and seasonings. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and add in the cheeses. Stir until melted.
- Toss cheese sauce, pasta, broccoli, and ham together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over macaroni.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or just until hot. Do not over cook.
Notes
- Cook broccoli just until tender-crisp by adding it in the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Use a gentle baking time and temperature to heat the casserole through without drying the cheese sauce.
- The combination of three cheeses gives balance: sharp cheddar for flavor, Gruyere for smooth melting, and Parmesan for nuttiness and topping.
- Ensure the breadcrumb topping is evenly coated with melted butter for a crisp, golden crust.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 617 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 617 | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 970mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 356mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1220IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 30.4mg | 34% |
| Calcium | 611mg | 61% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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