Savory Ham Bake

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delicious and comforting Ham Casserole! This recipe takes simple egg noodles, vibrant broccoli, and savory diced ham, envelops them in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, and bakes it all to golden-brown perfection. It’s a true classic, reminiscent of treasured family dinners, and undeniably the best way to transform leftover ham into a spectacular new meal.

Few dishes offer the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty casserole, and this cheesy ham and noodle version stands out as a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an inventive way to utilize holiday leftovers or simply craving a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers. It’s robust, full of flavor, and so wonderfully comforting that it will quickly become a regular request at your dinner table.

Holiday hams are a wonderful tradition, but often leave us with an abundance of delicious leftovers. While ham sandwiches are always an option, this casserole elevates those leftovers into something truly special. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, even without a holiday feast. Simply pick up a ham steak from your local grocery store, dice it, and you’re ready to create this incredible meal. Forget complicated recipes; this ham casserole brings gourmet comfort to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Why This Ham Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try

This ham casserole isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making and eating this dish:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe makes cooking a gourmet-quality meal surprisingly simple. Even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm, cheesy casserole. This dish hits all the right notes, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a hearty, soul-warming meal.
• Economical & Waste-Reducing: It’s the ideal solution for using up leftover ham from holidays or special occasions, preventing food waste and giving your ham a delicious second life. No more wondering what to do with that extra ham!
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The combination of tender egg noodles, savory ham, and creamy cheese sauce is a hit with all ages, including picky eaters. It’s a meal that truly brings the family together.
• Versatile & Customizable: While the core recipe is fantastic, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily swap out vegetables, cheeses, or even the type of pasta to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Potential: This casserole can be assembled in advance, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or for entertaining. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Essential Ham Casserole Ingredients

The beauty of this ham casserole lies in its simple yet robust ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Egg Noodles: These wide, tender noodles are a classic choice for casseroles, providing a satisfying base that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook them al dente according to package directions in salted water to ensure they hold up well during baking.
• Butter: Essential for building the roux, which forms the foundation of our rich and velvety cheese sauce. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create a roux with the butter, thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip this!
• Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: This dynamic duo forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing richness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Whole milk offers body, while heavy cream ensures an incredibly smooth and decadent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and umami flavor that complements the ham and cheddar beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheese show! Shredded cheddar cheese provides that iconic gooey, melty texture and sharp, comforting flavor that makes this casserole so beloved. We use it both in the sauce and as a topping for a golden crust.
• Diced Ham: Whether it’s holiday leftovers or store-bought ham steak, ensure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution and easier eating. The savory ham is the heart of this dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Cooked broccoli adds a welcome burst of color, a tender-crisp texture, and a touch of wholesome green goodness. Lightly steaming or blanching it before adding to the casserole ensures it’s perfectly tender without being mushy.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! Adjust to your taste, remembering that ham can be salty, so taste the sauce before adding too much.
• Cooking Spray: For preparing your baking dish, ensuring a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
• Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors.

How To Make The Perfect Ham Casserole

Creating this irresistible ham casserole is a straightforward process, combining simple techniques to build layers of flavor. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and for easy serving.
2. Craft the Creamy Sauce: In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Whisk in the flour and continue to cook for another minute, creating a roux that will thicken your sauce.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking, until the sauce begins to thicken to a lovely, creamy consistency. This usually takes a few minutes.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and two cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, rich, and gooey mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that ham is salty, so taste first!
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, diced ham, and cooked broccoli florets. Pour the freshly made cheese sauce over this mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every noodle, every piece of ham, and every broccoli floret is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire noodle mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top has melted and turned a beautiful golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish and a hint of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this incredible homemade comfort food!

Expert Tips For A Flawless Casserole

Achieving casserole perfection is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Ham Choices: While holiday ham leftovers are ideal, you can easily make this casserole year-round. Purchase a good quality ham steak and cut it into cubes. Alternatively, pre-cooked diced ham from the deli section works wonderfully for convenience.
• Noodle Nuances: I personally love using extra wide egg noodles for their substantial texture and ability to capture more sauce. However, standard egg noodles or even other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini will also work beautifully. Just ensure they are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• The Cheese Factor: For the absolute best flavor and melt, opt for freshly grated cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and can give a slightly gritty texture. Freshly grated cheese melts into a luxurious, gooey dream.
• Broccoli Prep: To ensure your broccoli is perfectly tender without being overcooked, lightly steam or blanch the florets before adding them to the dish. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels to remove any excess water, which could make your casserole watery.
• Seasoning Smartly: Ham can be quite salty on its own. Always taste your sauce before adding salt, and adjust seasoning as needed. Freshly ground black pepper adds a lovely subtle heat and aroma.
• Achieving Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, you can briefly place it under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning.

Common Questions About Ham Casserole (FAQs)

Got questions about making the perfect ham casserole? We’ve got answers!

Delicious Flavor Variations and Substitutions

While this ham casserole is absolutely delicious as written, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to customize the flavors and ingredients to your personal taste or what you have on hand.

• Pasta Alternatives: Instead of classic egg noodles, you can easily swap in other short pasta varieties. Rigatoni, penne, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), fusilli, or even macaroni would all work beautifully. The key is to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy during baking.
• Vegetable Swaps: Broccoli is a fantastic addition, but you have many other options! Try a scoop of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) for extra color and nutrients. Cooked asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or finely chopped bell peppers are also excellent choices. Ensure any fresh vegetables are pre-cooked or softened before adding to the casserole.
• Cheese Exploration: While ham and cheddar are a timeless combination, don’t hesitate to venture out! Mozzarella will add an extra stretchy, gooey factor. Monterey Jack offers a mild, creamy melt. Fontina provides a nutty, slightly pungent note, and Swiss cheese delivers a distinct, savory flavor. A blend of cheeses can also create a complex profile.
• Exciting Toppings: Elevate the texture and flavor of your casserole with a crunchy topping!
  • Buttered Breadcrumbs: Toss panko or regular breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking for a golden, crispy crust.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Add cooked and crumbled bacon bits on top for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor.
  • French Fried Onions: A handful of crispy French fried onions added during the last 5-10 minutes of baking provides a delightful crunch.
  • Crushed Crackers: Crush some buttery Ritz crackers or similar crackers and mix with a bit of melted butter for a quick and easy topping.
• Herb & Spice Boost: For a different twist, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, a dash of nutmeg (especially good with creamy sauces), or a touch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

This ham casserole is truly a must-make recipe – it embodies hearty comfort food, is incredibly easy to prepare, and consistently garners rave reviews. If you’re looking for even more creative ways to utilize your holiday ham, be sure to explore my comprehensive list of leftover ham recipes for inspiration!

Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole

While ham casserole is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to complement its rich, creamy flavors:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots provide a healthy and flavorful accompaniment. Their slight char and tender bite complement the casserole beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty French bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the cheese and ham, adding a nice crunch and a different flavor profile.
• Fruit Salad: For a lighter, sweeter side, a simple fruit salad can be a delightful addition, especially with a casserole that feels so substantial.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This ham casserole is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Here’s how to store it and prepare it in advance:

• Refrigeration: Leftover ham casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole (covered with foil) in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
• Freezing Instructions: Ham casserole freezes exceptionally well.
  • Baked Casserole: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it as a whole casserole or in individual portions. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Unbaked Casserole: You can also assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it unbaked. This is a great make-ahead option!
• Reheating from Frozen:
  • Baked & Frozen: Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. You might want to add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top for the last 10 minutes.
  • Unbaked & Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
• Make-Ahead (Refrigerated): As mentioned in our quick tip, you can assemble the casserole up to 4 hours ahead of time. Cover it and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats evenly.

Ham Casserole Recipe Video

Watch how simple it is to prepare this delicious ham casserole! This video guides you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. Follow along and see just how easy it is to create this comforting family meal.

Full Ham Casserole Recipe Card

5 from 18 votes

Ham Casserole

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Author:
Sara Welch

This ham casserole is egg noodles, broccoli and diced ham in a creamy sauce, all topped with cheese and baked to golden brown perfection. A comfort food classic that’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham!

Time

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Course:
Main

Cuisine:
Italian

Serves:
6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces egg noodles cooked in salted water according to package directions
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
• 2 1/2 cups diced ham
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets cooked
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the milk and cream, then simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce has just thickened.
4. Add the parmesan cheese and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, along with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir until the cheese has melted.
6. Place the egg noodles, ham and broccoli in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the top, and toss to coat evenly.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and cheese has just started to brown.
9. Sprinkle parsley over the top, then serve.

Notes

1. You can assemble this dish up to 4 hours before you plan to eat. Cover the pan and refrigerate the casserole until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a little more bake time to compensate for starting with a cold casserole.
2. This casserole tastes best with freshly grated cheese. The pre-shredded cheese that comes in bags at the grocery store is often coated with anti caking agents and preservatives, and does not melt as well.
3. Lightly steam or blanch your broccoli before you add it to the dish. Frozen broccoli will also work, just be sure to thaw and pat dry to remove any excess water.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcal |
Carbohydrates: 51g |
Protein: 35g |
Fat: 34g |
Saturated Fat: 24g |
Cholesterol: 160mg |
Sodium: 569mg |
Potassium: 414mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 6g |
Vitamin A: 1385IU |
Vitamin C: 2.1mg |
Calcium: 465mg |
Iron: 1.7mg

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