Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake: A Comforting and Delicious Recipe

This Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the ham and fresh asparagus. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion brunch, this bake is surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious bake on the table in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking. Swap out the ham for bacon, add different vegetables, or use your favorite cheese.
* **Comforting:** The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make this bake incredibly satisfying and comforting.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This bake reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Asparagus:** Fresh asparagus is best for this recipe. Look for firm, bright green stalks.
* **Cooked Ham:** Use your favorite type of cooked ham, such as sliced ham, ham steak, or leftover holiday ham.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is used to create the roux for the creamy sauce.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but you can also use 2% milk.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang to the sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the sauce and bring out the flavors.
* **Gruyere Cheese:** Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the ham and asparagus perfectly. You can substitute with Swiss cheese, Fontina, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a salty, savory flavor and a golden-brown crust.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

## Equipment Needed

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake:

### 1. Prepare the Asparagus

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough ends. To do this, hold the asparagus stalk near the base and gently bend it. It will naturally break where the tough part ends.
* Cut the asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces.

### 2. Prepare the Ham

* Cut the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using sliced ham, stack a few slices and then cut them into cubes. If you’re using a ham steak, cut it into strips and then into cubes.

### 3. Make the Creamy Sauce

* In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent it from being lumpy.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to incorporate it smoothly into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
* Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in about half of the Gruyere cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

### 4. Assemble the Bake

* In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the asparagus pieces evenly over the bottom of the dish.
* Scatter the cubed ham over the asparagus.
* Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the ham and asparagus.
* Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top of the bake.

### 5. Bake

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
* If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

### 6. Rest and Serve

* Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this bake, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the baking dish.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Fontina, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Add a Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispy topping, mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the bake before baking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the creamy sauce.
* **Add Pasta:** Cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini, can be added to the bake to make it a more substantial meal. Add about 2 cups of cooked pasta to the baking dish along with the asparagus and ham.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Different Meats:** Instead of ham, try using bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a little heat.
* **Make Individual Bakes:** Divide the ingredients among individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake is delicious served on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy bake.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Potatoes:** Roasted potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf is a great way to round out the meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots are healthy and delicious side options.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

## Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
* 1 pound cooked ham, cubed
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the asparagus: Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough ends. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
3. Prepare the ham: Cut the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the creamy sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Gruyere cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the bake: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the asparagus pieces evenly. Scatter the ham over the asparagus. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the ham and asparagus. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake! It’s a perfect dish for any occasion.