Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Residence Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! When you have any leftover ham, it is 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 prime. That proper there may be what’ll have you ever loading up a second scoop!

On the lookout for easier casseroles? Attempt our scrumptious Rooster 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. Somewhat 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. You too can use store-bought diced or chopped ham, normally 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 choice permits you to greatest management the flavour. It’s an ideal 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 a bit grainy when it melts.
• Dijon Mustard: For those who’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be utilized as an alternative.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: You need to 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 nicely with ham and cheese. Simply throw it in with the opposite elements and it’ll prepare dinner to the correct tenderness within the sauce—no must pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. For those who’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. For those who’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 mix 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: 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 most effective 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 easy 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 correct texture and taste. For those who’re within the temper for an additional crispy chew, go forward and double it for a thicker layer of this scrumptious topping.