Ham N' Cheese Bake(Makes 6 Servings)
A hearty ham and cheese baked rice dish with vegetables and pineapple, offering savory and sweet flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 20 ounces can chunk pineapples in unsweetened juice, drained
- 4 ounces Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery
- 2 cups boiling chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the onions in butter until tender-crisp.
- Add green peppers, celery, rice, chicken broth, salt, curry powder (if using), and ham.
- Stir well, cover, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from oven.
- Add pineapple chunks and cheese to the mixture.
- Toss lightly to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover ham from a holiday meal or experimenting with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Gouda. If you want a bit of spice, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper along with the curry powder. To save time, you can also use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to include other vegetables like carrots or peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ham N' Cheese Bake with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with Scalloped Potatoes And Onions for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or rolls. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure it's heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham N' Cheese Bake(Makes 6 Servings) contains roughly 1098 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the amount of chicken broth and extend the baking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you're looking for a substitute, diced turkey or chicken can work well. Alternatively, you could use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the substitute is cooked beforehand if necessary.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, this Ham N' Cheese Bake can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).