Creamy Ham And Cheese Noodles
Creamy ham and cheese noodles combine tender green noodles with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with vegetables and ham, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup celery slices ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Parkay margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package Philadelphia Brand cream cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup (2 oz.) Kraft grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) green noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery, onion, and green pepper in margarine.
- Add milk and cream cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
- Add chopped ham, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and salt; mix well.
- Combine the sauce with cooked green noodles and pour into a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you don't have green noodles, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and skim milk. Additionally, you can swap out the ham for cooked chicken or turkey to cater to different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham and cheese noodles dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving with Talarima or Hot Party Sandwiches to create a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Ham And Cheese Noodles contains roughly 186 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cream cheese and Parmesan provide a creamy texture and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère. Just keep in mind that the taste and consistency may vary slightly, so adjust the quantities to achieve the desired creaminess.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. You could also include other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to make it more filling while maintaining a delicious creamy sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).