Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Savor the Creamy Comfort of Ham and Cheese Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food experience with this irresistible ham and cheese casserole recipe that transforms leftover ham into a delectable masterpiece. This dish combines tender pasta, succulent ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that's both satisfying and simple to prepare? This ham and cheese casserole delivers the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight meals or casual weekend gatherings.

Whether you're using holiday leftovers or starting fresh, this recipe promises to become a family favorite. With its golden-brown crust and creamy interior, this casserole brings together the best elements of classic comfort food while adding a gourmet twist that elevates it beyond the ordinary.

Ham and Cheese Casserole: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Much like our creamy chicken and rice soup, this ham and cheese casserole combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The secret lies in the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese, creating a depth of flavor that sets this dish apart from typical casseroles.

If you enjoy hearty, cheese-filled dishes, you might also love our Sweetie Pie's Mac and Cheese recipe, which shares similar creamy elements. This casserole brings together the best of both worlds - the convenience of a one-dish meal with restaurant-quality taste.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Casserole:

1. Temperature Matters: Bring your dairy ingredients to room temperature for the smoothest sauce.
2. Cheese Selection: Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties.
3. Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
4. Sauce Consistency: Keep some pasta water handy to adjust the sauce thickness if needed.
5. Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly.

For more casserole inspiration, check out our Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole or Best Boneless Chicken Casserole.

Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Equipment: 8×8-inch baking dish, large pot, whisk, mixing bowls

Looking for more cheesy comfort food? Try our Easy Baked Ziti for another crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells, such as rotini or penne
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups whole milk or half & half
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1⁄2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere
• 2 cups diced cooked ham

For the Panko Topping:

• 1⁄2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain well and set aside.
3. Create the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt ¼ cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add flour, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk constantly until smooth, about 1 minute.
4. Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Add Dijon mustard and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.
5. Add the Cheese: Remove from heat and incorporate 1 cup each of cheddar and Gruyere cheese, adding ¼ cup at a time. Stir well between additions. If needed, return to low heat to help melt the cheese.
6. Combine Components: Mix in the cooked pasta and diced ham until well-coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
8. Bake to Perfection: Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Ready to Relish!

This ham and cheese casserole offers the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying texture. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that will have your family reaching for seconds.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

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📖 Recipe