Baked Mushrooms, Noodles And Ham Mornay
Creamy baked mushrooms, ham, and noodles topped with cheese offer comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3 c. milk ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. wide noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Port wine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and stir with a wire whisk until blended.
- Gradually add milk, stirring rapidly, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Melt remaining butter in a skillet.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until wilted.
- Add ham and heat through.
- Cook wide noodles until al dente and drain.
- Combine noodles with mushroom and ham mixture.
- Stir in port wine and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cheese for some of the Cheddar. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Mushrooms, Noodles And Ham Mornay pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a crisp green salad or the refreshing Independence Day Salad. A glass of white wine complements the dish well, enhancing the flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Finish with a light dessert to balance the richness of the main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overheating as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Mushrooms, Noodles And Ham Mornay contains roughly 1672 calories, with 24g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2334mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wide noodles are traditional, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just adjust the cooking time according to package directions to ensure they are al dente before mixing them with the sauce.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and include additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or basil to the sauce for a fresh touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).