Turkey Ham Casserole
A hearty turkey ham casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and Swiss cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking savory, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mushrooms, sauteed ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey ⓘ
- 5 ounces water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender, but not brown.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mushrooms, milk, and dry sherry. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Add the cooked turkey, water chestnuts, and diced ham to the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be a good substitute. You can also add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. Ensure the turkey is diced uniformly for even cooking, and sauté the mushrooms until golden for enhanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Ham Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or mashed potatoes. A light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the flavors well, making it a perfect dish for a cozy dinner.
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 (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Ham Casserole contains roughly 548 calories, with 27g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1439mg per serving (63% 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 instead of cooked in this casserole?
It's best to use cooked turkey to ensure safety and proper texture. If you have raw turkey, consider cooking it first, then dicing it before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent any undercooked meat and ensure a delicious result.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or even mozzarella can be good alternatives. They melt well and provide a similar texture. For a sharper flavor, consider using sharp cheddar, keeping in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).