Broccoli-Ham Shortcake
A hearty and cheesy broccoli and ham shortcake layered with rich sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour and stir constantly until smooth and frothy, then let bubble for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Gradually stir in milk and increase heat to medium. Simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Add cheese, frozen broccoli, and ham to the sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese melts and broccoli is cooked.
- Cut the prepared cornbread into 4 equal pieces and slice each in half horizontally.
- Place the bottom halves of the cornbread on plates.
- Top with half of the sauce, then place the top halves of the cornbread over the sauce.
- Finish with the remaining sauce on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère can work. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just blanch it first. For a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Broccoli-Ham Shortcake with a light side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like coleslaw or steamed green beans. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside the Pork Spareribs In Barbecue Sauce. This dish is great for brunch or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through, or place in a baking dish and cover with foil, reheating in a 350°F oven until hot. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Ham Shortcake contains roughly 1553 calories, with 19g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cornbread in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and assemble the shortcake just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the ham or replace it with cooked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and protein. For a different meat, cooked chicken or turkey would also work well in this recipe.
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade cornbread can enhance the flavor of the dish. Just make sure it’s baked and cooled before slicing. Adjust the preparation time accordingly, and feel free to add herbs or spices to your cornbread for extra flavor.
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).