Ham Casserole Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this delightful Ham Casserole, a recipe I’ve adopted with excitement, though I haven’t had the pleasure of making it yet. This dish encapsulates the essence of Southern cuisine, marrying savory ham with wholesome asparagus and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection in a hearty casserole. And fear not, if asparagus isn’t to your liking, you can easily swap it out for some tender broccoli spears. 🍲
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 package of processed cheese spread
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 3 cups of diced ham
- 2 cups of asparagus (or substitute with 2 packages of frozen broccoli spears, cooked, drained, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
Instructions:
| Preparation Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 55 minutes |
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Prepare the Rice: Start by preparing the rice according to the instructions on the package. This will serve as the hearty base for our casserole.
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Melt the Cheese: In a saucepan, combine the processed cheese spread and milk. Stir the mixture over low heat until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating a decadent cheese sauce that will bind all the ingredients together beautifully.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cheese mixture, diced ham, and asparagus (or your chosen vegetable substitute). Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
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Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 12×8 baking dish or pan to prevent sticking. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and garnish it with chopped tomatoes for a burst of freshness and toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. These final touches not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Toast the Almonds: If you’re toasting almonds for garnish, simply spread a single layer of nuts on a cookie sheet and bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 6-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 413.9
- Fat Content: 20.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 73.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1652.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.1g
- Fiber Content: 3.2g
- Sugar Content: 6.7g
- Protein Content: 26.7g
Recipe Notes:
- This Ham Casserole is perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you crave a hearty and comforting meal.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
- Serve this casserole alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy! 🍽️
