Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon in my kitchen. What are some good ways to use up leftover ham? Is it the kind of dish that transforms a simple fridge clean-out into an culinary masterpiece? Think of it as the savory cousin of mac and cheese, but with a salty kick. Is it easier to throw together than lasagna on a weeknight?What is leftover ham casserole?Is comfort food, reimagined – my family begs for it, even when there’s *not* leftover ham in the fridge?
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What is leftover ham casserole?
What exactly is a definition of “what is”?What is leftover ham casserole?What’s a hug in the dish? Is it a baked concoction with diced ham? ), a creamy, cheesy sauce, some veggies (because balance! ), and a delightful topping that can range from buttery breadcrumbs to crispy onions. Think of it as a fancy, grown-up version of mac and cheese, but instead of pasta, we’re focusing on pasta. What are the flavors of tender ham and a symphony of complementary flavors? What is the easiest way to make a mountain of food disappear without any fuss?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know you’re going to fall head over heels for this one.What are some leftover ham casseroles recipe. What I love most about it is that it’s incredibly adaptable. It’s a true chameleon in the kitchen, ready to morph into whatever you have on hand.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of the smoky ham, the creamy cheese sauce, and the subtly sweet peas (or whatever veggies you choose!) is seriously divine. It’s a flavor profile that just *works*, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I’ve even tried adding a little Dijon mustard to the sauce – don’t skip it!
* **Ridiculously Easy:** Honestly, this recipe is practically foolproof. It’s so simple that even a novice cook can whip it up in under an hour. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just need something comforting and satisfying on the table. I usually throw it together while the kids are doing their homework.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Using leftover ham is already a win for your wallet, but this recipe also utilizes other pantry staples, making it a thrifty and delicious meal option. Plus, you can use frozen veggies, which are often cheaper than fresh.
* **Versatile Delight:** The beauty of this casserole is that you can customize it to your liking. Don’t have peas? Use broccoli or green beans. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless! It reminds me a little of a shepherd’s pie, but much easier to put together. I’ve even added a layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom – SO good!
What really sets this apart? I tested it with both regular milk and almond milk (I was out of the regular stuff one time) and guess what? Almond milk actually made it *creamier*! Talk about a happy accident.
How do you make leftover ham casserole?
Quick Overview
This What is leftover ham casserole?Is it easier than you think? How do I make a simple roux-based cheese sauce? You’ll combine the sauce with your diced ham, veggies, and a binder like cooked egg noodles or fried cranberry sauce. What do you top it off with and bake until golden brown and bubbly? What’s the hardest part of waiting for it to cool down enough to eat?
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Base:
* 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is best, so you control the salt level.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce. Gluten-free blend works too!
* 3 cups milk: I used almond milk once and it was even creamier! Whole milk gives the richest flavor, though.
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that complements the ham.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: for a hint of savory goodness.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
* 3 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend – whatever you like!
For the Ham & Veggie Filling:
* 4 cups diced cooked ham: The star of the show! What is the best holiday ham recipe?
* 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Can you substitute with broccoli, green beans, or corn?
Is condensed cream of mushroom soup a shortcut for flavor?
* 2 cups cooked egg noodles: Or rice, or even cubed potatoes!
For the Topping:
* 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko bread is the best crunch. Toss with melted butter for extra flavor!
What is better with melted butter?
* 1 1/2 cups fried onions (like French’s): For a super easy crispy topping!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easy. I always line the bottom of the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for a more even surface. How easy is it to remove a Is it worth the extra step?
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for your cheese sauce. Cooking flour removes the raw taste and ensures a smooth sauce. Make sure it is simmering slowly, and be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. What is the best way to do this? How do you stir together Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt? Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until smooth. What is your dreamy cheese sauce?
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, frozen peas, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and cooked potatoes. How do you pour the cheese sauce over the ham mixture? Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. At this point, I usually taste it and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Don’t be shy!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
How do you spread the ham mixture in a baking dish? Sprinkle the breadcrumbs (tossed with melted butter) or fried onions over the top of the casserole. What makes a crunchy topping?
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is firm. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil. I always check it with a fork – if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. How can I thicken my sauce? Serve warm and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This What is leftover ham casserole?Is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a simple side: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole.
For a Hearty Meal: Steamed green beans or asparagus. These add a touch of freshness and balance to the dish.
For a Cozy Dinner: Crusty bread or rolls for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce. My family loves tearing off pieces of bread and dipping them in the casserole.
For a Potluck: A fruit salad or coleslaw. These add a refreshing element to the meal.
I always serve this casserole with a dollop of sour cream on top – it adds a lovely tang and creaminess. My grandma always served it with a side of pickled beets, which I know sounds strange, but it’s actually a surprisingly delicious combination!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Leftover Ham Casserole
Want to take your leftover ham casserole to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips for achieving casserole perfection:
Ham Prep: For the best texture, dice your ham into uniform pieces. This ensures that it cooks evenly and distributes throughout the casserole.
Cheese Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up. I always prefer a slightly thinner sauce, as it tends to thicken as it bakes.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in your casserole. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and mushrooms all work well. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole, as they may not cook through completely during baking.
Topping Options: If you’re not a fan of breadcrumbs or fried onions, you can try topping your casserole with crushed crackers, potato chips, or even shredded cheese. I’ve even used crumbled cornbread before, which adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through completely.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little extra heat. I also like to add a sprinkle of paprika to the topping for a touch of color and flavor.
One time, I accidentally added too much milk to the cheese sauce, and it was a complete disaster! The casserole was so watery and runny. But I learned from my mistake, and now I always measure the milk carefully! The important thing is just to not give up, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover ham casserole like a pro:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.
I actually prefer to reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. It gets the bottom nice and crispy, and it’s super quick and easy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for leftover ham casserole. It’s a comforting, versatile, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham and feeding a crowd. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a potluck dish that’s sure to impress, this casserole is a winner! I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipes for chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie. Happy cooking!
Leftover Ham Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook until tender.
- Stir in ham, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
