Golden Ham Casserole
Golden Ham Casserole combines savory ham, tender vegetables, and melted cheese in a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked ham, cubed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook potatoes, carrots, and celery in boiling unsalted water until tender but crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In 3 tablespoons butter, sauté ham, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion until ham is golden brown.
- Put the ham mixture and cooked vegetables into a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Add flour and stir until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and salt. Cook over low heat until cheese is melted and slightly thickened.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the ham and vegetables in the casserole.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-packaged frozen diced vegetables can work in place of fresh ones. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the overall flavor, making it a bit more gourmet.
Serving Suggestions
This Golden Ham Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or warm New Rolls. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Ham Casserole contains roughly 1234 calories, with 24g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite seasonal vegetables. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a different protein source.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
To keep the casserole moist, ensure the cheese sauce is sufficiently creamy before pouring it over the vegetables and ham. Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking can help retain moisture, removing it in the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
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).