Cheesy Ham Poof
Cook Time: 35 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
If you love cheese, this Cheesy Ham Poof will quickly become your go-to comfort food. This dish is an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth delight that combines the savory richness of cooked ham with the creamy goodness of cheeses and spices. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatilityโwhile the ham is the star of the show, you can substitute it with finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey, though ham truly delivers the best flavor. You can even sneak in some frozen spinach for a pop of greenโthis dish is as easy as it is delicious!
Ideal for a weeknight dinner, serve this cheesy delight straight from the oven alongside a crisp salad and some crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Your family will love it, and itโs guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Dried parsley (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Cooked ham (diced) | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 Tbsp |
| Margarine | 1 Tbsp |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2-3 stalks |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2-3 Tbsp |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 800 kcal |
| Fat | 59 g |
| Saturated fat | 32.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 454.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1038.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.2 g |
| Protein | 46.9 g |
Recipe Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) to ensure itโs hot and ready when your casserole is assembled.
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Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 2-quart casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the Cheesy Ham Poof from sticking and make it easier to serve.
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Beat the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them well with a whisk or electric mixer until they are fully blended.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley (if you are using it), 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
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Combine the egg and flour mixture: Gradually add the dry mixture to the beaten eggs, mixing thoroughly until you have a smooth batter.
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Add liquids: Slowly pour in 1 cup of half-and-half cream (or milk if thatโs your preference) and the 1/4 cup of milk. Stir to combine everything into a smooth, creamy batter.
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Blend in remaining ingredients: Add in the 1 cup of cooked ham, 1 tablespoon each of butter and margarine, 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and chopped green onions. Use an electric mixer or hand whisk to blend the mixture until itโs thoroughly combined.
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Add cheddar cheese: Gently fold in 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, ensuring itโs well distributed.
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Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the cheesy ham mixture into your greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can add more cheese if desired for an extra cheesy topping.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole has set in the middle.
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Serve immediately: Once the Cheesy Ham Poof is done, remove it from the oven and serve right away for the best texture and flavor. Itโs absolutely delicious when served with a crisp side salad and warm, crusty bread. Enjoy!
Additional Tips
- Substitute the Ham: If you donโt have cooked ham on hand, finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. While the flavor will differ slightly, youโll still get that delicious, cheesy richness.
- Sneak in Vegetables: If youโre looking for a way to sneak in some greens, try adding frozen, squeezed chopped spinach to the mixture. This adds both flavor and color without overpowering the dish.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers (though thatโs unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350ยฐF for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
The Cheesy Ham Poof is a rich, satisfying dish that combines a variety of textures and flavorsโcreamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced with just a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. The contrast between the salty ham and the indulgent cheeses makes each bite a comforting experience. Whether you serve it for a casual family dinner, a potluck, or as a standout brunch dish, it’s sure to impress.
The versatility of this dish makes it easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Plus, itโs incredibly easy to prepare, with a total time of only 45 minutesโideal for those busy nights when you want to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal without the fuss.
If youโre a cheese lover, you simply cannot miss out on this Cheesy Ham Poof. From the moment itโs taken out of the oven, itโs ready to be enjoyed at its absolute peak of flavor. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up something truly scrumptious!
