Ham-Ripe Olive Tetrazzini
A savory ham and olive tetrazzini featuring tender noodles, sharp cheddar, and a creamy mustard sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned, pitted ripe olives
- 2 cups cooked ham strips ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups narrow noodles ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread cubes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Drain ripe olives and chop coarsely.
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- Drain well and return to pan.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter and mix well.
- Spoon buttered noodles around the edge of the casserole.
- Add cooked ham strips, chopped olives, cream of celery soup, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, milk, lemon juice, and grated cheddar cheese to the noodles.
- Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Top with soft bread cubes and remaining butter or margarine.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the mix. If you're out of cream of celery soup, cream of chicken or mushroom can serve as effective substitutes. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a convenient weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham-Ripe Olive Tetrazzini with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Dressing For Dandelion for a refreshing side. For an added touch, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or additional grated cheese just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tetrazzini in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You may add a splash of milk to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Ripe Olive Tetrazzini contains roughly 946 calories, with 16g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% 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 leftover holiday ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover holiday ham, making it a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious meal. Just ensure the ham is cut into strips for even mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can also enhance the dish with additional flavors by incorporating herbs or spices.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While sharp Cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, you can also use Gruyère or mozzarella for a different taste. Mixing cheeses can also add depth; consider adding a bit of Parmesan for a savory touch.
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).