Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At House Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! You probably 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, providing 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 less difficult casseroles? Strive our scrumptious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

This one is a household favourite that we promise received’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 properly. 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, often 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 use unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Rooster Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice permits you to greatest management the flavour. It’s an awesome 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 accommodates components to forestall clumping that make it a bit of grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: If you happen to’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as a substitute.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: You need to use common breadcrumbs however we love Panko for its additional crunchiness.

Sneak in a Veggie

Seeking to sneak in some veggies? Broccoli is a superb selection because it all the time goes properly with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite substances and it’ll prepare dinner to the appropriate tenderness within the sauce—no must pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. If you happen to’re nervous about youngsters 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. 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 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: ensure 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 perfect taste. You need this combination to have an ever so slight golden coloration 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 peerlessly 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 combined with butter and garlic powder to present it simply the appropriate texture and taste. If you happen to’re within the temper for an additional crispy chunk, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.