Ham 'N Broccoli Bake
A comforting baked ham and broccoli dish featuring a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners or gathering with its savory flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a white sauce by melting margarine in a saucepan, then stirring in flour and gradually adding milk and ground red pepper.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Add cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Arrange cooked and drained broccoli spears evenly on the bottom of a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Top the broccoli with slices of fully cooked ham.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the ham and broccoli.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the ground red pepper. You can substitute cheddar cheese with your choice of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to customize the flavor. This dish can easily be made with leftover ham from your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham 'N Broccoli Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or rice. It also makes a fantastic brunch dish when accompanied by fresh fruit and a light yogurt dip. Consider offering a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade to complement the flavors.
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 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham 'N Broccoli Bake contains roughly 300 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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 broccoli instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but you will need to blanch it first to soften it before adding it to the dish. Simply boil the broccoli spears for 3-4 minutes, then drain and cool them in ice water to retain their color and crunch.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this dish, but you can experiment with other varieties such as Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well to create a creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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).