Here’s a simple and delicious Cheesy Ham dish — perfect as a baked casserole, side dish, or even a sandwich filling.
🧀 Cheesy Ham Bake
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced or chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheese, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
2️⃣ Combine Ham and Cheese
- In a baking dish, combine diced ham and cheese sauce.
- Mix well to coat evenly.
3️⃣ Add Topping (Optional)
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little paprika.
4️⃣ Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot as a main dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Vegetable boost: Add peas, broccoli, or diced bell peppers.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Sandwich version: Spread the cheesy ham mixture on bread, top with extra cheese, and toast for a melty sandwich.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
If you want, I can give you a restaurant-style baked cheesy ham casserole with creamy sauce, extra gooey cheese, and a perfectly crisp topping.
Do you want me to do that?