Crowd Pleaser Casserole
A hearty, cheesy vegetable and ham casserole with a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen broccoli and cauliflower in slightly salted water until slightly underdone.
- Drain the vegetables and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a 1-quart saucepan and add the flour, blending well.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and salt to the sauce, stirring over low heat until the cheese melts.
- Place the cooked vegetables in an ungreased 4-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped ham over the vegetables.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the ham and vegetables.
- Toss the bread crumbs with the remaining melted butter.
- Make a border of buttered bread crumbs around the edge of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Gouda for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can speed up the process. This casserole is a great way to use leftover vegetables from other meals, making it versatile and economical.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty dinner, serve alongside Jiffy Beans And Franks or a side of garlic bread. It also works well as a potluck dish, as it can easily feed a crowd and is sure to please everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crowd Pleaser Casserole contains roughly 1360 calories, with 19g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1676mg per serving (73% 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 vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower. Just steam them lightly until they're slightly tender before adding them to the casserole. Fresh vegetables will add a vibrant flavor and texture, but be sure not to overcook them to maintain their crunch.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the casserole vegetarian, simply omit the ham and consider adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices. A layer of sautéed onions and garlic could complement the dish well without compromising its essence.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. If you're prepping it in advance, you may want to add the bread crumbs just before baking to keep them crispy.
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).