Cheesy Ham Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
580 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Ham Casserole
Description
This casserole starts by cooking pasta until al dente, then preparing a smooth cheese sauce from butter, flour, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, and a mix of sharp cheeses. Diced ham is mixed into the creamy sauce along with the pasta, and the mixture is transferred to a baking dish. It is topped with a crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs, butter, chopped parsley, and extra cheese before baking until bubbly and golden.
The combination of cheddar, Swiss or Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses provides depth of flavor, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang to the sauce. The crispy topping contrasts the creamy casserole interior. Cooling the dish briefly before serving helps it to set and slice cleanly.
This recipe adapts well to leftover ham or ham steak and suggests not overbaking to prevent dryness. Substituting Swiss cheese for Gruyere is an acceptable option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium pasta shells or rotini or penne
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 cup half and half or light cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded sharp
- 1 cup swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 2 cups ham diced
Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, butter, and parsley, set aside.
- Cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter, flour, and seasonings over medium heat and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add in milk, half and half, and Dijon, whisking until smooth after each addition. Once all of the milk/cream is added, whisk while bringing to a boil over medium heat. Allow to boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add 2 ½ cups cheddar, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth.
- Toss the cheese sauce with cooked pasta and ham and transfer to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the casserole and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes or until heated through and topping is browned. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Swiss cheese if Gruyere is not available without altering flavor significantly.
- Use leftover ham or freshly purchased ham steak to add to the casserole.
- Avoid overbaking the dish to keep it moist and creamy inside.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 580 | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 112mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 751mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 246mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1091IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 473mg | 47% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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