Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Residence Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! If in case 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 may be what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

Searching for easier 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 higher than utilizing a can of condensed soup, proper?

Ingredient Notes

• Russet Potatoes: Finest 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. 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 need to use unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice lets you finest management the flavour. It’s an incredible 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 stop clumping that make it slightly grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: When you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as a substitute.
• 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 nicely with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite substances 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. When you’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. When 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 alternative.

Professional tip: be sure to 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 wish to slowly whisk it in for a easy consistency. Belief us.

Breadcrumb Topping

One in every of 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 present it simply the suitable texture and taste. When you’re within the temper for an additional crispy chew, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.