Hot Ham And Cauliflower
Hot Ham and Cauliflower is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender vegetables, savory ham, and mushrooms topped with crispy bread crumbs. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cauliflower and/or broccoli in a small amount of boiling salted water until crisp-tender. Drain well and remove from pan.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter or margarine in the same pan.
- Stir in flour and add milk all at once.
- Cook and stir until mixture is very thick and begins to bubble.
- Add cheese and sour cream; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted.
- Stir in ham, mushrooms, and cooked vegetables.
- Turn the mixture into a 2-quart casserole pan.
- Combine bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine, then sprinkle atop casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If sharp American cheese isn't available, cheddar works well too. You can also swap out ham for a vegetarian option like mushrooms or tofu for a meatless dish. If you're short on time, pre-cut vegetables can save you some prep work.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Ham and Cauliflower casserole is excellent as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls. It also makes for a hearty lunch option when reheated.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is an option as well, but be sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Ham And Cauliflower contains roughly 618 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (59% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% 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 frozen cauliflower or broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower or broccoli; just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk.
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).