Ham and Cheese Casserole

Ham and Cheese Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe combines tender chunks of ham, tangy green olives, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a favorite. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup green olives, sliced
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Ham and Potatoes: Start by dicing the cooked ham and peeling and dicing the potatoes. Ensure that the potatoes are cut into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Slice the Olives: Slice the green olives and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
3. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer the diced potatoes, followed by the diced ham and sliced green olives.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the ham and olives.
3. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the casserole, ensuring it covers all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Ham and Cheese Casserole hot, and enjoy!

Cooking Notes

• Ham: This recipe is a great way to use leftover ham, but you can also use store-bought diced ham. Ensure the ham is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
• Potatoes: For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked or frozen diced potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can add unique flavors to the casserole.

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the sauce for added flavor.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs for the topping. Ensure that the milk and cream used are full-fat and low in carbs.

Low Carb Version

For a lower-carb option, use sweet potatoes or a combination of root vegetables with a lower glycemic index. Opt for a lighter cream sauce using low-fat milk and less butter.

Ham and Cheese Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that brings together the savory flavors of ham, the tangy bite of green olives, and the creamy goodness of cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The simplicity of its preparation and the flexibility of ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Ham and Cheese Casserole with your loved ones, and feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste.