Creamy Ham Casserole
Creamy Ham Casserole combines tender cauliflower, savory ham, and mushrooms in a rich cheese sauce, topped with toasted bread crumbs for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter; stir in flour and add milk all at once.
- Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add cheese and sour cream to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts.
- Combine the sauce with cooked cauliflower, cubed ham, and sliced mushrooms.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt the remaining butter and mix with bread crumbs, then sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit more sour cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don’t have canned ham, diced cooked chicken or even turkey can be great substitutes. Fresh mushrooms can replace canned ones, just sauté them until tender first. For a crunchy topping, mix in some grated Parmesan with the bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy ham casserole with a side salad, like Paul'S Watercress Salad, for a refreshing contrast. It goes well with steamed vegetables or a light soup. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Ham Casserole contains roughly 1122 calories, with 21g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% 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 cauliflower instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cauliflower is a great option! Just steam or blanch it until tender before adding it to the casserole. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that the bread crumbs are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).