Cheesy Magic: Classic Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Sometimes a hearty ham and cheese casserole can rescue dinnertime from monotony and stress.

Comfort arrives through layers of melted goodness and savory ingredients.

Memories of childhood kitchens drift through each cheesy bite.

Weeknight meals deserve something special that feels both familiar and exciting.

Busy households appreciate dishes you can assemble quickly and bake without complicated steps.

Minimal ingredients combine into a satisfying meal everyone will devour.

This recipe promises pure deliciousness you cannot resist trying tonight.

What Makes Ham and Cheese Casserole So Comforting

• Quick and Easy Comfort Meal: Whip up this delightful ham and cheese casserole in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Enjoy the irresistible blend of creamy cheese sauce, savory ham, and crispy panko topping that will make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Versatile Dish for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a family dinner, potluck, or looking for a hearty meal that works for lunch or dinner, this casserole adapts perfectly to any gathering or mood.
• Customizable Culinary Creation: Easily swap out ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, letting your creativity shine while keeping the core comfort food experience intact.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: A core foundation for the cheesy casserole.
• Ham: Classic protein that adds savory flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for rich flavor.
• Gruyere Cheese: Smooth and nutty cheese for depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and tangy accent.

• Milk: Creamy base for smooth cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create roux.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates smooth texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balanced taste.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic flavor.
• Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy undertones.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a slight tangy kick.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden crust.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for brightness and color.

How to Assemble and Bake Ham Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Get a big pot of salted water rolling.

Toss in the pasta and cook it just shy of the package directions – about 2 minutes less than usual.

Scoop out a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Flour
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together for about a minute until it looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Magic

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking like crazy to keep things silky.

Splash in some Dijon mustard and let the mixture simmer until it thickens up (2-3 minutes).

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Pull the skillet off the heat.

• Cheddar cheese
• Gruyere cheese

Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce.

If it gets too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

Fold in the cooked pasta and diced ham, coating everything in the cheesy goodness.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.

Step 7: Create a Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter
• Chopped parsley

Scatter this golden mixture over the casserole.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbly edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.

Dig in and enjoy the cheesy, hammy goodness!

Pro Tips for Ham and Cheese Bakes

• Cook pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a delightful al dente texture in the final dish.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats every pasta and ham piece beautifully.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs before adding to the topping for extra crunch and deeper golden color that adds irresistible texture to the casserole.
• Swap ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or vegetarian protein alternatives to customize the dish for different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Keep reserved pasta water handy to thin out the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick, maintaining the perfect creamy consistency.

Storing and Reheating Ham Casserole

• Store leftover ham and cheese casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the dish moist.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy sauce consistency if needed.

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Complement the rich, cheesy ham casserole with perfectly matched pairings.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and balance the salty ham.
• Veggie Victory: Serve a bright, tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and add a zesty contrast to the heavy casserole.
• Crunch Factor: Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans with toasted almonds to introduce a crunchy texture that complements the soft, creamy pasta dish.

Variations on Ham and Cheese Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Use plant-based cheese alternatives for a meat-free casserole.
• Protein-Packed Alternative: Add grilled chicken or turkey instead of ham. Incorporate additional protein sources like diced bacon or diced rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?

You can substitute the pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just make sure to cook them 2 minutes less than package instructions to maintain the right texture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon work great as alternatives. Just ensure the protein is pre-cooked before mixing into the cheese sauce.

• What if I don't have Gruyere cheese?

No problem. You can replace Gruyere with Swiss cheese or additional cheddar. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the casserole.

Ham And Cheese Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets classic with this hearty ham and cheese casserole, a golden-brown delight perfect for family dinners. Creamy layers of melted cheese and savory ham promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere
• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells (such as rotini or penne)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk or half & half
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter

Spices and Seasonings:

• 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
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace and gather all necessary tools for a smooth cooking experience.
2. Heat the oven to a robust 400°F, creating an ideal environment for baking. Lubricate an 8×8-inch baking vessel with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Submerge pasta in generously salted water, cooking until marginally firmer than recommended package instructions. Extract and reserve one cup of starchy liquid before draining completely.
4. Craft a velvety foundation by melting butter in a spacious skillet. Introduce flour and aromatic seasonings, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps and develop deep flavor profiles.
5. Gradually incorporate milk while maintaining constant motion, allowing the mixture to transform into a luxurious, thickened sauce. Integrate Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy undertone.
6. Remove sauce from heat and gently fold in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Utilize reserved pasta water if sauce appears overly dense.
7. Introduce diced ham and cooked pasta into the molten cheese mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly enrobed. Transfer the amalgamation to the prepared baking dish.
8. Construct a crisp topping by combining panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and fresh parsley. Distribute this golden-potential garnish evenly across the casserole’s surface.
9. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered until the top achieves a rich, amber hue and edges bubble enticingly.
10. Allow the dish to rest and settle for approximately 10 minutes, permitting the sauce to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Optimize pasta cooking by removing it 2 minutes early to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by whisking continuously and adding milk gradually, which prevents lumps and guarantees a creamy consistency.
• Customize the casserole with alternative protein options like cooked chicken, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives such as roasted vegetables or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
• Control sauce thickness strategically by using reserved pasta water, allowing you to achieve the ideal creamy consistency without compromising flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg