Delicious Ham Casserole Recipe: Perfect for cozy nights!

Howdy there y’all, Chef here, and today I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing – Southern Ham Casserole!

One of my favorite things about southern cuisine is how it can transform even the most basic ingredients into something absolutely delicious. And that’s exactly what this casserole does – it turns leftover ham, potatoes and a few other pantry staples into a show-stopping dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

I still remember the aroma of my grandmother’s kitchen when she would make this dish on a lazy Sunday – the smell that could bring anyone to the table. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are anything but; it’s everything quintessential Southern food should be – comforting, hearty, and above all, delicious.

So let’s strap on our aprons and get cooking. You won’t regret adding this Southern Ham Casserole recipe to your repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Listen up, my fellow foodies and Southern cuisine enthusiasts! Let me tell you why you’re going to fall head over heels for this Southern Ham Casserole recipe.

First and foremost, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s got all the classic elements that make a perfect Southern-style dish – butter, cream cheese, country ham, and green peppers. You’ll be transported back in time to your grandma’s kitchen with each mouthful.

Moreover, this recipe is extremely versatile. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from special occasions or just weeknight dinners. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Trust me; it’s one of those recipes that you’ll keep going back to time and time again.

What’s more, this casserole recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. Want to amp up the flavor? Add some mushrooms and garlic cloves into the mix. Want to switch things up? Swap out the ham for turkey or chicken instead.

But perhaps my favorite thing about this ham casserole recipe is how easy it is to make. Just toss all the ingredients together in a casserole dish, bake in the oven for 45 minutes or so, and voila! You’ve got a mouthwatering casserole that will have your taste buds singing with joy.

So there you have it – my fellow foodies – just a few of the many reasons why you’re going to love this Southern Ham Casserole recipe. Trust me when I say it’s an absolute must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious meal that’ll warm your soul from the inside out.

Ingredient List

Let’s take a deep dive into the necessary ingredients for creating a mouth-watering Southern Ham Casserole that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Base Ingredients

• Butter – 1/2 cup
• Cooked Ham – 8.5 oz, cut into 1-2 inch cubes or use leftover ham
• Mushroom Pieces – 5 oz
• Garlic Clove – minced
• Milk – 2 cups
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup
• Cream Cheese – 3 oz
• Green Pepper – diced
• Celery – chopped

Optional Ingredients

You can also add your favorite extras to personalize the recipe and turn it into your own signature dish:

• Hash brown casserole with diced potatoes
• Noodle casserole with ham
• Cheese croissant casserole with ham slices
• Cornbread country ham casserole
• Broccoli casserole

The possibilities are endless!

The Recipe How-To

Now, here’s the real deal on how to make this Southern Ham Casserole taste just like my grandma’s.

Step One: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients out and ready to use. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step Two: Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add in 1 cup of diced green peppers, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook until the veggies become tender, then add in 1 minced garlic clove and stir until fragrant.

Step Three: Add the Ham

Next up, add in 8.5 oz of cooked, cubed ham into the skillet, along with 1/2 cup of water to loosen up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for a couple more minutes.

Step Four: The Milk Base

In a separate pan, make a milk base by melting together 3 tablespoons of butter and stirring in 3 tablespoons of flour, creating a roux. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumps from forming. Now’s a good time to sprinkle in some salt and pepper!

Step Five: Combine Everything!

Take your skillet mixture and pour it into a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour your milk base over the veggie mixture, then add in 8 oz of cream cheese, cutting it into small cubes so it melts easier into the casserole. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until well-combined.

Step Six: Bake!

Put your Southern Ham Casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for 30 minutes until the top becomes golden and bubbly. Once done, remove it from the oven, let it cool for a bit, then garnish with some freshly chopped green onions.

And voila! This Southern Ham Casserole recipe is perfect for any meal occasion, making any leftover ham flavorful and delicious.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t get your hands on some specific ingredients or you’re just feeling creative, there are a few substitutions and variations to this ham casserole recipe that you can try. Here are some ideas:

– Instead of country ham, you could use regular cooked ham, leftover ham from a holiday meal, or even sliced deli ham. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

– For the mushrooms, you can swap in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to add more color and texture to the dish.

– If you’re not a fan of celery or green pepper, you could leave them out entirely or substitute them with other veggies that you prefer.

– Instead of cream cheese, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

– If you want to make this dish more substantial, add diced potatoes to the casserole for a hearty spin-off of the classic ham potato casserole.

– For a breakfast twist, swap out the mushroom pieces and green pepper for diced broccoli and use a cornbread mix with whole kernel corn instead of regular bread crumbs. This will give your casserole a country feel, reminiscent of hash brown casserole or cornbread breakfast casserole.

– To make the dish more savory, swap out the milk for chicken broth and add 1 tsp onion powder. You could also replace the parmesan cheese with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra boost of flavor.

Whatever substitutions or variations you decide to go with, remember that one of the best things about casseroles is their versatility. Play around with different ingredients and see what tastes best to your palate!

Serving and Pairing

Ah, serving and pairing. This is where the magic happens. Let’s talk about how to serve and pair this Southern Ham Casserole of yours.

First things first: portion size. You don’t want to serve too little or too much of this tasty casserole, so I recommend going for a hearty serving size. I’m talking about a big scoop or two, enough to satisfy your hunger and cravings without feeling overly full.

Now, let’s talk about what to pair with your ham casserole. You have options, my friend. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try pairing this with a light and crisp white wine, like Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing contrast to the savory ham flavors.

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, why not try pairing it with a sweet tea or a tangy lemonade? The sweetness of the drink will complement the saltiness of the casserole perfectly.

And finally, presentation is key. Serve it up in a deep dish so that everyone can see the delicious layers. Garnish it with some fresh parsley or green onions on top to add a pop of color.

Trust me when I say that serving and pairing is just as important as nailing the recipe itself. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy this Southern Ham Casserole like never before!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Hey there, my fellow kitchen enthusiasts! We all know that life can get crazy sometimes, and we may not always have the time we need to cook our favorite meals on the day we want them. But no worries, my friends! This Southern Ham Casserole is easy to make ahead and store until you’re ready to eat!

To make ahead, simply assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for preparing the night before and popping into the oven just before dinner.

If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or heat up a larger portion by placing it in a baking dish and reheating in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

You can also freeze this casserole for up to three months. Simply let it cool completely in the fridge first, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Remember that reheating may cause the casserole to dry out slightly. But no need to fret – just add a splash of milk or cream over the top of the casserole before reheating, and it will be as good as new!

Trust me, if you love Southern-style cuisine but face a busy schedule, this recipe is your answer. It’s easy to make ahead, store and reheat – perfect for those on-the-go days!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now, to make sure that your Southern Ham Casserole comes out great every time, I’ve got a few tips for you.

Tip 1: Use Only Cooked Ham

It’s essential to use cooked ham in this recipe, whether it’s leftover or fresh. Uncooked ham will not cook through in the casserole, leaving you with chewy chunks of meat. So be sure to buy pre-cooked ham slices or cook your ham before adding it to your casserole.

Tip 2: Layer Ingredients Evenly

Make sure that you layer the ingredients evenly throughout the casserole dish. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by the ham, mushrooms, celery, green peppers, and onions.

Tip 3: Add Milk Slowly

When adding milk to the mixture, you need to do it slowly. Pour in one-third of the milk at a time and stir each time until it’s fully incorporated. Adding too much milk at once will result in a runny casserole.

Tip 4: Use Cornflakes

For an extra crunch on top, use crushed cornflakes instead of bread crumbs. The cornflakes add beautiful texture and crunch to the casserole’s creamy interior.

Tip 5: Don’t Overcook

You want your Southern Ham Casserole to be deliciously cheesy and creamy, but you don’t want it to be overcooked. Once it turns golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges in about an hour or so, remove it from the oven immediately. Overcooking will dry out the dish and affect its texture.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect Southern Ham Casserole that everyone will enjoy!

Bottom Line

with persuasive text:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my Southern Ham Casserole recipe. It’s a classic southern dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any dinner occasion. This recipe is versatile, easy to make and perfect for leftovers. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t stop coming back for more!

Now, you may be thinking that making a casserole is time-consuming or complicated. But trust me, this recipe is easier than you think. I’ve provided detailed instructions to guide you through the process every step of the way.

So don’t hesitate, put your apron on and get ready to make one of the best leftover ham casseroles you’ve ever had! It’s hearty, comforting and sure to please everyone at your table. And if you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored and reheated easily for a quick and satisfying meal.

In closing, I’d like to remind you that cooking can be a fun and enjoyable activity. So take some time out of your busy day to cook this delicious Southern Ham Casserole for yourself and your loved ones. Trust me when I say they’ll thank you for it!

Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

Recommended Recipes Just For You

None found