Ham Fluff
Ham Fluff is a savory, fluffy casserole combining ground ham with a creamy, seasoned sauce. Its light, airy texture is achieved by folding whipped egg whites into a rich ham mixture. Perfect for brunch or a comforting family dinner, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Blend in flour, salt, pepper, grated onion, and dry mustard.
- Stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick.
- Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored.
- Fold a little sauce into egg yolks, then add this mixture to the remaining sauce. Fold in ground ham.
- Whip egg whites until stiff but not dry.
- Fold the egg whites into the ham mixture.
- Place in a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour, until top is brown and puffy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and gently folded into the mixture to maintain airiness. If you don't have dry mustard, you can substitute with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a similar flavor. Make sure to use a good quality ham, as it significantly enhances the dish's taste. If you prefer a different protein, diced cooked chicken can be a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it alongside Ranch Potatoes for a comforting meal. For a complete spread, you can add some crusty bread or biscuits to soak up any sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham fluff in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the texture rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Fluff contains roughly 528 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1805mg per serving (78% 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 Ham Fluff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to whip the egg whites and fold them in just before baking to retain the fluffiness. You may need to extend the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ham is traditional, you can substitute with cooked chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless version. Adjust cooking times if using different ingredients to ensure everything is heated through.
What can I serve with Ham Fluff?
Ham Fluff pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty potato dish. For a comforting combination, try it with Simple Baked Ham or other pork recipes to create a satisfying meal.
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).