Swiss Turkey-Ham Bake
A creamy Swiss turkey-ham bake with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and Swiss cheese, offering rich flavors and a comforting texture, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup light cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed cooked turkey ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender, not brown.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add undrained sliced mushrooms, light cream, and dry sherry.
- Cook and stir until thickened.
- Add cooked turkey, cooked ham, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Pour mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole; top with shredded Swiss cheese.
- Mix bread crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Sprinkle crumbs on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a hot oven at 400°F for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a glass casserole dish, bake at 325°F and cook longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you don’t have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be a good substitute. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the light cream for a mixture of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. To enhance the dish, you can also incorporate vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Swiss Turkey-Ham Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light side of rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting dessert, consider serving Chocolate Eclair Pudding to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Turkey-Ham Bake contains roughly 522 calories, with 18g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1296mg per serving (56% 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 raw turkey and ham instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked turkey and ham for this recipe as they provide the necessary texture and flavor. Raw meats would require a longer cooking time and could lead to uneven cooking. If you have leftovers, this dish is a perfect way to repurpose them.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or Emmental are excellent substitutes due to their similar melting properties. For a sharper flavor, you could try cheddar. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, a vegan cheese blend can work, but ensure it melts well.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the Swiss Turkey-Ham Bake before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to the original instructions.
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).