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Ham and Cheese Casserole

Ham and Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Ham and Cheese Casserole is a delightful, creamy dish designed to turn leftovers into a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 12 oz Medium Pasta Shells Rotini or penne can be alternatives.
  • 4 Tbsp Butter Use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Creates the roux for thickening the cheese sauce.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be sautéed for a fresh twist.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder 1 clove fresh garlic = 1/8 teaspoon powder.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Oregano or favorite dried herb can be swapped.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to suit your personal taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to suit your personal taste.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or Half & Half Opt for low-fat milk for a lighter option.
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be substituted if desired.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Consider mixing with other cheeses for diversity.
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Fontina or mozzarella can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 cups Diced Cooked Ham Leftover ham can be replaced with chicken or turkey.
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano brings an extra sharp bite.
  • 2 Tbsp Salted Butter (for topping) Use unsalted butter but add salt to topping if necessary.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium pasta shells for 6-8 minutes until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder to create a smooth roux.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk or half-and-half while whisking to incorporate, cooking until thickened for about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and gradually add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Gruyere cheese until melted.
  5. Fold in cooked pasta and 2 cups of diced ham, ensuring everything is coated in the cheese sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
  6. Transfer to the baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with an additional 1 cup of mixed cheese and 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Monitor to avoid over-browning.
  8. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This casserole is a customizable and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.

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