Comfort Food Classic: Delicious Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

Ham tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham. This classic casserole is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe walks you through each step, ensuring a perfect and satisfying ham tetrazzini every time.

## What is Ham Tetrazzini?

Tetrazzini is an American baked pasta dish named after the famous opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. While variations abound, it traditionally consists of poultry (turkey or chicken), mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese in a cream sauce flavored with sherry or wine. Our version substitutes ham for the poultry, creating a delicious and hearty meal. It’s a great way to breathe new life into leftover ham and makes for a satisfying and comforting dish.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed for ease and flavor. Here’s what makes it stand out:

* **Creamy Sauce:** The sauce is made with a roux base, ensuring a thick and luscious consistency. We use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream for richness.
* **Flavorful Ham:** Using good-quality ham is key. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully, but you can also use a cooked ham steak.
* **Mushroom Enhancement:** Sautéing the mushrooms before adding them to the sauce intensifies their flavor and prevents them from becoming watery in the casserole.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** A generous topping of Parmesan cheese creates a golden-brown, bubbly crust.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add vegetables like peas or broccoli, or use different types of cheese.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this ham tetrazzini:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente.
* **Ham:** 2 cups cooked ham, cubed or diced.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced.
* **Butter:** 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 6 tablespoons.
* **Chicken Broth:** 3 cups.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup.
* **Dry Sherry (Optional):** 1/4 cup.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup, divided.
* **Yellow Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect ham tetrazzini:

### 1. Cook the Pasta

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

### 2. Prepare the Ham and Mushrooms

* Dice or cube the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces.
* Slice the cremini mushrooms.

### 3. Sauté the Mushrooms

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
* Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

### 4. Make the Cream Sauce

* In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will ensure the sauce is thick and smooth.
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Stir in the heavy cream and sherry (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese.

### 5. Assemble the Tetrazzini

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ham, and sautéed mushrooms.
* Pour the cream sauce over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

### 6. Bake the Tetrazzini

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
* Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

### 7. Rest and Serve

* Remove the tetrazzini from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Ham Tetrazzini

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole. Cook it al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite.
* **Use Good-Quality Ham:** The flavor of the ham will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a good-quality ham with a smoky or savory flavor.
* **Sauté the Mushrooms Properly:** Sautéing the mushrooms before adding them to the sauce helps to remove excess moisture and intensify their flavor. Make sure they are nicely browned before removing them from the skillet.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before adding it to the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to achieve your desired flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the tetrazzini can result in a dry and crusty casserole. Bake it just until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the tetrazzini, such as peas, broccoli, or asparagus. Add them to the pasta mixture along with the ham and mushrooms.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella. You can use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the tetrazzini ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Reheat Properly:** To reheat leftover tetrazzini, cover it with foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of ham tetrazzini lies in its versatility. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Chicken Tetrazzini:** Substitute cooked chicken for the ham.
* **Turkey Tetrazzini:** Use cooked turkey instead of ham, especially great after Thanksgiving.
* **Vegetarian Tetrazzini:** Omit the ham and add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Spicy Tetrazzini:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
* **Wine Pairing:** Sherry is traditional, but a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio also pairs well.

## Serving Suggestions

Ham tetrazzini is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad makes a great dessert.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover ham tetrazzini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, cover the tetrazzini with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente
* 2 cups cooked ham, cubed or diced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
* 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Stir in heavy cream and sherry (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
8. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ham, and mushrooms.
9. Pour cream sauce over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
10. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour pasta mixture into the dish.
11. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
13. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Ham Tetrazzini!

## Conclusion

Ham tetrazzini is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy sauce, flavorful ham, and cheesy topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or simply craving a hearty and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable ham tetrazzini experience!

This recipe is easily adjustable to your preferences; feel free to experiment with other cheeses, add vegetables, or use a different type of pasta. The most important thing is to have fun and create a dish that you and your family will love. Bon appétit!