Šunkofleky – Czech Ham and Pasta Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
513 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Czech
Šunkofleky – Czech Ham and Pasta Casserole
Description
The casserole begins by greasing a baking dish with solid fat and lining it with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking and add a slight crust. Pasta is cooked until tender and drained, while cooked ham is diced and browned in butter to enhance its flavor. Garlic is minced and combined with the ham and pasta, then seasoned with salt and black pepper. A mixture of heavy cream, milk, and beaten eggs forms the custard base.
Combining the pasta and ham mixture with the custard and transferring to the prepared dish creates a rich, savory bake once cooked. The eggs set the dish firmly while the cream adds moisture and richness. Baking until firm and golden creates a creamy texture inside with a lightly crisped top. The casserole is typically served warm in square portions, optionally garnished with chopped parsley and served alongside pickled cucumbers for a fresh contrast.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. Reheating in a skillet with butter helps retain texture and flavor. Cooking times adjust slightly for heavy-duty pans like cast iron, requiring additional baking time.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta wide squares (fleky) or other type of pasta
- 9 ounces ham cooked
- ½ Tablespoon butter to fry the ham, unsalted
- ½ cup heavy cream fat percentage about 30%
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 egg
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 and ½ teaspoons salt
To dust the baking dish:
- ¾ Tablespoon solid fat shortening or butter
- 2 Tablespoon breadcrumbs to sprinkle the baking pan
To serve (optional):
- 4 pieces dill pickles
- 2 Tablespoons parsley chopped, leaves
Instructions
- Before you start cooking: Grease the baking dish with ¾ Tablespoon solid fat, and sprinkle it with 2 Tablespoon breadcrumbs. Gently tap the dish on the work surface to remove any excess breadcrumbs.
- Peel and mince 2 cloves garlic.
- Cook 16 ounces pasta in salted water until tender, then drain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice 9 ounces cooked ham into ⅓-inch (0,7 cm) pieces. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and let ½ Tablespoon unsalted butter melt in it.
- Add the ham cubes and cook, stirring constantly, until their edges begin to brown. This will take about three to five minutes.
- Pour ¾ cup milk and ½ cup heavy cream into a large enough container. Add 4 eggs and beat them with a hand whisk until a creamy, yellowish mixture forms.
- In a large bowl, combine the hot, drained pasta with the fried ham. Season with 1 and ½ teaspoons salt and ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, and add the minced garlic. Mix well. Finally, pour in the milk and egg mixture. Stir again thoroughly.
- Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 325 °F, using the top and bottom heat, not the fan-forced circulation. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven without opening it, and leave the casserole sit in the oven for another 15 minutes to finish cooking.
Notes
- The recipe yields 4 to 6 servings, making it suitable for family meals.
- Serve warm in square portions, garnished with chopped parsley and pickled cucumber for contrast.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to five days or freeze individual servings for up to three months.
- When reheating, frying bite-sized pieces in butter preserves texture and flavor better than microwaving.
- If baking in heavy pans like cast iron, add about 15 minutes to baking time for even cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 513 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 513kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 173mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 1511mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 464mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 765IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 121mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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