Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At House Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! When you’ve got 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, 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 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 effectively. 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 may also 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 utilize unsalted to manage the sodium content material.
• Rooster Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice permits you to greatest management the flavour. It’s an important chef tip.
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce further creamy with out being too heavy. You might additionally go all out and use heavy cream.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts higher than pre-shredded cheese, which incorporates components to forestall clumping that make it a bit of grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: Should 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 further crunchiness.

Sneak in a Veggie

Trying to sneak in some veggies? Broccoli is a superb alternative because it at all times goes effectively with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite substances 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. Should you’re apprehensive 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. Should 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 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 one of the best 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 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 offer it simply the fitting texture and taste. Should you’re within the temper for an additional crispy chunk, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.