Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy casserole, especially one that evokes memories of family gatherings and warm, home-cooked meals. This Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole recipe is a timeless classic, passed down through generations, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is easily adaptable, making it a great way to use leftover ham or customize it to your family’s preferences. Let’s dive in and recreate this nostalgic dish!
Why This Recipe Works
This ham casserole excels for several reasons:
* **Creamy and Flavorful Sauce:** The base of the casserole is a rich and decadent cream sauce, made with butter, flour, milk, and often, a touch of cheese. This sauce coats all the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
* **Versatile Ingredients:** The core ingredients of ham and potatoes are incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute different vegetables, cheeses, or even add a crispy topping for added texture and flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its comforting and impressive nature, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time and uses common pantry ingredients.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Ham casserole is just as delicious (if not more so) the next day. It’s perfect for meal prepping or using up leftover holiday ham.
* **Adaptable:** The recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. Gluten-free options are readily available, and you can adjust the cheese and vegetable components.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole:
* **Ham:** 2-3 cups, cooked and cubed or diced. Leftover holiday ham is ideal, but you can also use ham steaks or deli ham.
* **Potatoes:** 2-3 cups, peeled and cubed. Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work well.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup), unsalted.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup). This will help thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** 3 cups. Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% or even skim milk can be used.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced (optional, but highly recommended).
* **Cheese:** 1-2 cups, shredded. Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses are all great options.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup (optional). Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Dried Thyme or Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor).
* **Bread Crumbs (optional):** For topping, adds a nice crunch.
* **Melted Butter (optional):** To mix with bread crumbs for topping.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** The standard size for casseroles.
* **Large Skillet or Saucepan:** For making the cream sauce.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the vegetables and ham.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Whisk:** To ensure a smooth cream sauce.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the heart of the recipe. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and comforting ham casserole:
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using russet potatoes, you might want to soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help prevent them from sticking together during baking. Drain well before using.
* Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. The size of the ham pieces is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer larger chunks, while others prefer smaller, more uniform pieces.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic (if using).
* Shred the cheese if it’s not already shredded.
* If using frozen peas, measure out 1 cup.
**2. Cook the Potatoes (Optional, but Recommended):**
* While you *can* bake the potatoes raw in the casserole, pre-cooking them ensures they are tender and thoroughly cooked. This step also reduces the overall baking time.
* Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
* Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
* Drain the potatoes well and set aside.
**3. Make the Cream Sauce:**
* This is the most important part of the casserole, as the cream sauce brings everything together. To prevent lumps, it’s crucial to whisk constantly while adding the milk.
* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. It should be lightly golden and smell nutty.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in about 1 cup of the shredded cheese (reserve the remaining cheese for topping). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
**4. Assemble the Casserole:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, diced ham, frozen peas (if using), and the creamy cheese sauce. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
**5. Top with Cheese and Bread Crumbs (Optional):**
* Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
* If using bread crumbs, mix them with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese. This will create a crispy and golden-brown topping.
**6. Bake the Casserole:**
* Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If using bread crumbs, bake until they are golden brown.
**7. Let it Rest:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**8. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the ham casserole hot and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes will become mushy in the casserole. Cook them until they are just fork-tender.
* **Whisk Constantly:** When making the cream sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can dry it out. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the casserole will taste. Use good quality ham, cheese, and milk.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Be sure to taste the cream sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Variations and Additions
This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, sliced carrots, or sliced mushrooms.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Meat:** Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little heat.
* **Topping:** Use crushed crackers or potato chips instead of bread crumbs for a different texture.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the cream sauce. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.
* **Different Potatoes:** Try using sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh parsley, chives, or dill.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A classic side dish that pairs well with ham.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Adds a touch of sweetness and tartness, especially during the holidays.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover ham casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze ham casserole, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 20-25g
Conclusion
Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole is a timeless classic that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for using up leftover ham. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and flavorful ham, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will become a cherished family favorite for years to come. Enjoy!