Schinkennudeln (German Ham and Noodles Casserole)
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
614 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
German
Schinkennudeln (German Ham and Noodles Casserole)
Description
Schinkennudeln combines egg noodles cooked until just tender with diced ham and sautéed onions cooked in butter to develop flavor. The noodles are mixed with a custard-like base of eggs, milk or cream, and seasonings including salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, which adds warmth and subtle spice. Swiss cheese (Emmental) is folded into the mixture and sprinkled on top, where it melts and browns during baking, creating a rich cheesy crust.
The casserole yields a creamy and cohesive dish with the noodles soaking up the egg and dairy mixture while the ham provides a savory, salty contrast. The onion adds softness and depth, while the nutmeg enhances the overall flavor subtly. Baking times ensure the casserole sets for clean slices and bubbly melted cheese.
This casserole can be served as a comforting main dish, often accompanied by a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. The cheese-to-noodle ratio can be adjusted to taste, and variations include substituting the Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
Leftover casserole reheats well and may be made ahead, allowing flavors to meld. Different pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini can be used as alternatives to egg noodles.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodle dry, 340 grams
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 14 grams
- 8 ounces ham cooked, diced, 225 grams
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cups milk or a combination, or heavy cream
- 2 egg beaten, large
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- Pinch nutmeg grated
- 8 ounces swiss cheese about 2 cups, grated, Emmental, 225 grams
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, return noodles to the empty pot and set aside off the heat.
- Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat melt the butter and add the chopped ham and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- To the pot of drained cooked egg noodles stir in the onion and ham, cream or milk, eggs, seasonings, and half the grated cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, top with the remaining grated cheese and return to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to set and cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into it to serve.
Notes
- To replicate a sharper flavor, substitute half the Swiss cheese with white cheddar.
- Alternative pasta such as elbow macaroni, rotini, fusilli, or gemelli may be used in place of egg noodles.
- Adjust cheese amounts to increase cheesiness as desired by adding more cheese in both the mixture and topping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 614 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 614kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 206mg | 69% |
| Sodium | 1406mg | 59% |
| Potassium | 183mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.