Description
This comforting Ham Casserole recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham combined with a creamy cheese sauce, wide egg noodles, and sweet corn baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. A delicious and hearty meal that can easily serve a family or group of eight.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter
- ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2½ Cups Whole Milk, hot
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Seasonings (such as dried herbs)
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) Can Whole Kernel Corn, drained
- 3 Cups Wide Egg Noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 Cups Leftover Ham, cubed
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
- ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Make the Roux: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste and cook until it thickens slightly.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in the heated 2½ cups of whole milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Boil and Add Cheese: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated parmesan until fully melted. Season with 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon seasonal herbs, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat once combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×7-inch casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wide egg noodles, drained corn, cubed ham, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly and spread evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and ¼ cup grated parmesan. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles cooked al dente for the best texture in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute ham with cooked turkey or chicken if preferred.
- The seasoning can be adjusted based on your favorite herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
