Crunchy Ham Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ham, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines rich flavors and crunchy textures for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli spears in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- In a 3-quart casserole, combine cooked macaroni and cubed ham.
- Blend cream of celery soup, sour cream, and milk to make the sauce.
- Pour half of the sauce over the macaroni and ham mixture.
- Arrange the cooked broccoli on top of the sauce layer.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the broccoli and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Top with crushed French fried onions and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even crunchier topping, consider adding a layer of crushed potato chips along with the French fried onions. If you don’t have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom makes a great substitute. For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and milk. This dish also works well with different vegetables like frozen peas or mixed veggies; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crunchy Ham Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with homemade bread or garlic bread. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or a side of baked beans. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Ham Casserole contains roughly 559 calories, with 18g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% 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 Colby or Cheddar cheese are delicious options, you can substitute with mozzarella for a stretchier texture or Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor. Feel free to mix and match according to your preference!
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute like tempeh. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
What can I do if the casserole is too dry?
If your casserole turns out dry, you can add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to help moisten it. Additionally, covering the dish while baking can help retain moisture, so consider doing that if you're making it from scratch.
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).