Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Residence Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! You probably have any leftover ham, this can be a nice option 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 high. That proper there may be what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

Searching for simpler 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. Somewhat 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 nicely. 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. You too can use store-bought diced or chopped ham, normally discovered within the refrigerated part close to the bacon.
• Butter: Combined with flour for the roux (sauce base). We use salted butter however you need to use unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Rooster Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility permits you to greatest management the flavour. It’s a terrific chef tip.
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce additional creamy with out being too heavy. You would additionally go all out and use heavy cream.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts higher than pre-shredded cheese, which accommodates components to stop clumping that make it a bit grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: In case you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as an alternative.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: You should use common breadcrumbs however we love Panko for its additional crunchiness.

Sneak in a Veggie

Trying to sneak in some veggies? Broccoli is a good selection because it all the time goes nicely with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite elements and it’ll cook dinner to the fitting tenderness within the sauce—no have to pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. In case you’re apprehensive about children noticing the veggies, chop them finely and blend them in with the sauce and so they’ll mix proper in!

Making a Roux

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

Professional tip: be sure to let the butter and flour combination cook dinner for a full 1-2 minutes earlier than including within the milk and broth. Uncooked flour actually wants that point to cook dinner for the perfect 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 easy 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 turning into soggy with the creamy sauce. Breadcrumbs are combined with butter and garlic powder to offer it simply the fitting texture and taste. In case you’re within the temper for an additional crispy chunk, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.