Swiss Turkey Bake
Swiss Turkey Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole combining tender turkey, ham, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce. Topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection, it's a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked ham, cubed
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chicken flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles to desired doneness as directed on the package.
- Drain and rinse with hot water.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 2 teaspoons chicken flavor instant bouillon.
- Cook until mixture is smooth and bubbly, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add 1 cup half and half, cooking until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, 2 cups cooked, cubed turkey, and 1 cup cooked, cubed ham.
- Combine the cooked, drained lasagna noodles with the sauce mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
- Mix 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine with 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the Swiss cheese with a low-fat cheese. You can also replace the half and half with a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. To save time, use pre-cooked turkey and ham or even leftover Herb Roasted Turkey from Thanksgiving. Always taste and adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Swiss Turkey Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with a side of garlic bread or a light vinaigrette. Consider using it as a hearty main course for a cozy family dinner or potluck, and it also works well as a comforting dish during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Turkey Bake contains roughly 972 calories, with 23g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), iron (147% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives a great flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses based on your preference. Just keep the meltability in mind to ensure a deliciously gooey topping.
What can I serve with Swiss Turkey Bake?
This dish pairs well with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup like Christmas Chowder. For a complete meal, you might also consider offering some crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes.
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).