Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At House Chef

This simple Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! When you have any leftover ham, it is a nice technique 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’s what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

In search of simpler casseroles? Strive 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 little bit 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: Combined with flour for the roux (sauce base). We use salted butter however you need to use unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility means that you can greatest management the flavour. It’s a fantastic chef tip.
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce additional creamy with out being too heavy. You possibly 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 stop clumping that make it a little bit grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: Should you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as a substitute.
• 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 superb alternative because it all the time goes properly with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite elements and it’ll prepare dinner to the suitable tenderness within the sauce—no have to pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. Should you’re nervous about youngsters 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. Should you’ve by no means made sauce from scratch earlier than, you’ll be stunned at how simple 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 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 shade earlier than including the liquid.

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

Breadcrumb Topping

One among 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 blended with butter and garlic powder to provide it simply the suitable texture and taste. Should you’re within the temper for an additional crispy chew, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.