Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Dwelling Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! If in case you have any leftover ham, this can be a nice strategy to put it to good use. And what makes this one actually shine is our garlicky Panko breadcrumb topping, supplying you with that scrumptious little crunch on prime. That proper there’s what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

On the lookout for less difficult casseroles? Attempt our scrumptious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

This one is a household favourite that we promise gained’t disappoint. We make a sauce from scratch that begins with a easy roux to get that thick, creamy consistency. A bit of higher than utilizing a can of condensed soup, proper?

Ingredient Notes

• Russet Potatoes: Greatest for this dish as a result of they maintain their form effectively. Chop into bite-sized items for even cooking. Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
• Ham: Leftover ham is ideal for this recipe. It’s also possible to use store-bought diced or chopped ham, normally discovered within the refrigerated part close to the bacon.
• Butter: Blended with flour for the roux (sauce base). We use salted butter however you should utilize unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice means that you can greatest management the flavour. It’s an excellent chef tip.
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce additional creamy with out being too heavy. You can additionally go all out and use heavy cream.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts higher than pre-shredded cheese, which comprises components to forestall clumping that make it slightly grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: If you happen to’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as an alternative.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: You should utilize common breadcrumbs however we love Panko for its additional crunchiness.

Sneak in a Veggie

Trying to sneak in some veggies? Broccoli is a good alternative because it at all times goes effectively with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite components and it’ll prepare dinner to the correct tenderness within the sauce—no have to pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. If you happen to’re frightened about children noticing the veggies, chop them finely and blend them in with the sauce they usually’ll mix proper in!

Making a Roux

Don’t attain for that may of condensed soup each once more. If you happen to’ve by no means made sauce from scratch earlier than, you’ll be stunned at how straightforward it’s. You’ll begin with a roux, which is a mix of fifty/50 fats and flour (to not be confused with a slurry or gravy), which you’ll then add to your liquid of alternative.

Professional tip: be sure you let the butter and flour combination prepare dinner for a full 1-2 minutes earlier than including within the milk and broth. Uncooked flour actually wants that point to prepare dinner for the very best taste. You need this combination to have an ever so slight golden colour earlier than including the liquid.

Additionally, don’t rush pouring the broth and/or milk—you wish to slowly whisk it in for a clean consistency. Belief us.

Breadcrumb Topping

One in all our favourite issues about this casserole is the superbly golden brown breadcrumb topping. We use Panko breadcrumbs, which give it an additional crunch and resists changing into soggy with the creamy sauce. Breadcrumbs are blended with butter and garlic powder to offer it simply the correct texture and taste. If you happen to’re within the temper for an additional crispy chew, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.