Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Ham Casserole
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Cheesy Ham Casserole during my culinary training, where we focused on comfort food. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe by adding spices and fresh ingredients. It quickly became a family favorite, especially during our holiday gatherings. I love how versatile it is, allowing for various adaptations based on what I have on hand."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating comforting dinner recipes. My passion lies in making dishes that bring families together around the table. I believe in using fresh ingredients to elevate classic recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Ham Casserole served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Ham Casserole Recipe Works

This Cheesy Ham Casserole is a winner for several reasons. First, it's incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ham and cheese gives it that rich, savory flavor that everyone loves. Plus, the addition of pasta makes it filling and satisfying.

The technique of baking the casserole allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture, balancing the creaminess of the cheese sauce. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will have your family asking for seconds.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use high-quality ham and freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. If you have time, make your own breadcrumbs for an extra crunch on top!

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.

If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even homemade cheese sauce. You can also use a combination of sour cream and chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. You can check the internal temperature with a food thermometer, which should be at least 165°F (74°C). Also, a knife inserted in the center should come out hot.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, you can cook it from frozen; just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. It's a great make-ahead meal!

Cheesy Ham Casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.

Cheesy Ham Casserole will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

The best way to reheat Cheesy Ham Casserole is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the topping crispy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

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Too Dry

Problem: If your casserole turns out too dry, it's likely due to overcooking or not enough sauce.

Solution: Next time, add a little more milk or soup to the mixture before baking. You can also cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the topping isn't crispy enough, it might be due to insufficient browning.

Solution: Try broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve that perfect golden brown topping. Just watch it closely to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the casserole comes out overcooked, it may have been in the oven too long.

Prevention: To prevent this, set a timer and check the casserole a few minutes before the suggested cooking time. The edges should be bubbly, and the top golden brown without being burnt.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can happen if the casserole is too thick or not heated evenly.

Recovery: If this happens, you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning further while the center finishes cooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior might occur if the oven temperature is too high or if the casserole is left in for too long.

Prevention: Make sure to follow the recommended oven temperature and check the casserole periodically to avoid overcooking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the casserole is too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to counterbalance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If it turns out too salty, you can add more pasta or cheese to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: To fix a bland casserole, try adding more spices or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Ham Casserole

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Casserole

The key to a great Cheesy Ham Casserole lies in the quality of its ingredients. Use fresh, flavorful ham for the best taste; leftover ham works great. Choose a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor, and don't skimp on the cream of mushroom soup to ensure a creamy texture.

Using high-quality pasta will also improve the dish's overall taste and texture. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like gouda or pepper jack, to put a twist on the classic recipe.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ham: Use a good quality ham for the best results. Smoked ham adds a rich flavor, while honey-baked ham offers sweetness. Leftover ham from holiday meals is perfect for this casserole.
  • Cheese: A combination of cheddar and mozzarella works well for this dish. Cheddar provides sharpness, while mozzarella ensures gooeyness. Be sure to shred your own cheese for better melting.
  • Pasta: Elbow macaroni or rotini are great choices for this casserole. They hold the cheese sauce well and create a filling base. Cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture.
Cooking process for Cheesy Ham Casserole

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cheesy Ham Casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Begin by cooking your pasta and mixing it with ham and cheese in a single bowl. This minimizes cleanup and speeds up prep time, perfect for busy evenings.

After transferring the mix to a baking dish, the oven does the hard work. Keeping an eye on it during baking ensures your casserole comes out bubbly and golden. In just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Ham Casserole

The most important technique for this casserole is achieving the right balance of moisture. Ensuring your pasta is al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. Additionally, the layer of breadcrumbs on top should be evenly distributed and lightly buttered to promote crispiness.

Cheesy Ham Casserole

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
    Canned or homemade
  • 1/2 cup milk
    Whole or 2%

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked pasta
    Elbow or rotini
  • 1 lb ham
    Diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
    Shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
    Shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas
    No need to thaw
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook Pasta

    Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.

  3. Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

  4. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

  5. Prepare Topping

    In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

  6. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

  7. Garnish

    Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

  8. Serve

    Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Ham Casserole!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheesy Ham Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with garlic bread for added flavor.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this casserole by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. You can also swap the ham for cooked chicken or turkey, and use different cheese varieties for added flavor.