Cheese Spam Bake
Creamy and savory, this Cheese Spam Bake combines tender potatoes, flavorful Spam, and melted cheese in a comforting casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes with skins on until tender.
- Cool, peel, and slice or dice the potatoes.
- Reserve 1 cup of potato water.
- Melt the oleo in a skillet and simmer the chopped onion in it.
- Add flour, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet.
- Gradually add the reserved potato water and mix well.
- Pour in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cubed Spam and diced cheese to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the prepared potatoes in the casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream along with the milk. If you're out of Spam, diced ham or cooked bacon can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian twist, replace Spam with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute from vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving. You could also serve it alongside Eva St. Clair's Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Apples for a comforting dinner. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Cheese Spam Bake to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. This will help maintain the texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Spam Bake contains roughly 527 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sharp gouda for added flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well to achieve a creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheese Spam Bake a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve as a side with this dish?
This bake is quite filling on its own, but it pairs well with a light salad or steamed green beans. You could also serve it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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).