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
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
Instructions
- Prepare your kitchen workspace and gather all necessary tools for a smooth cooking experience.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Construct a crisp topping by combining panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and fresh parsley. Distribute this golden-potential garnish evenly across the casserole’s surface.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered until the top achieves a rich, amber hue and edges bubble enticingly.
- 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