Ham and Potato Casserole – The Keep At Residence Chef

This straightforward Ham and Potato Casserole had us going again for seconds! You probably have any leftover ham, it is a nice option 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 simpler 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 of 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 should use unsalted to regulate the sodium content material.
• Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice permits you to finest management the flavour. It’s a fantastic chef tip.
• Half and Half: Makes the sauce additional creamy with out being too heavy. You would 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 slightly 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 additional crunchiness.

Sneak in a Veggie

Seeking to sneak in some veggies? Broccoli is a good selection 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 appropriate tenderness within the sauce—no must pre-cook. If the cooking time is lengthy sufficient for potatoes, it’s lengthy sufficient for broccoli. Should you’re anxious 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. Should 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 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 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 perfect 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 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 offer it simply the appropriate 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.