Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Dwelling Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! When you have any leftover ham, this can be a nice approach 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 may be what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

In search of simpler casseroles? Attempt 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 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 can even 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 should utilize unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Rooster Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility means that you can greatest 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 comprises components to forestall clumping that make it slightly grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: In case 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 selection because it at all times goes properly with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite elements and it’ll prepare dinner to the best tenderness within the sauce—no must 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 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 most effective 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 need 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 best texture and taste. In case you’re within the temper for an additional crispy chew, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.