Broccoli-Ham Hot Dish
A comforting baked casserole combining broccoli, ham, and cheese with a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen cut broccoli ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 1/2 slices fresh bread ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds fully cooked ham, cubed ⓘ
- Shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain.
- Spoon cooked rice into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Place cooked broccoli over rice.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the bread crumbs and set aside.
- In remaining butter, sauté chopped onion until soft.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring constantly until bubbly.
- Stir in milk and cook until sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Cook and stir for 1 minute, then add cubed ham and heat through.
- Pour the sauce over rice and broccoli in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the fully cooked ham with shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the ham and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the dish's flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli-Ham Hot Dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup, such as Mrs. Claus' Christmas Soup, for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it with baked potatoes or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Ham Hot Dish contains roughly 1466 calories, with 19g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1290mg per serving (56% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to the dish. This will ensure the broccoli is tender and flavorful in the final bake.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the hot dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese are both excellent choices for topping this dish. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor that complements the ham, while Swiss provides a creamy texture. You can even mix both for a more complex taste!
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).