Cauliflower Ham Bake Recipe
Overview:
Looking for a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of ham with the wholesome crunch of cauliflower? Look no further than this exquisite Cauliflower Ham Bake recipe, straight from the beloved Company’s Coming Christmas Cookbook! Whether you’re hosting a festive Christmas dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out the cauliflower for broccoli for a delicious twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower
- Boiling water (for cooking cauliflower)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 10 fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions:
| Preparation | Time |
|---|---|
| Cook cauliflower in boiling water until tender crisp and drain. | 20 minutes |
| Add ham and mushrooms and mix well. | 5 minutes |
| Melt butter in a saucepan, mix in flour and salt, and gradually whisk in milk until it boils and thickens. | 10 minutes |
| Add cheese. Stir until melted, then add sour cream and stir until smooth. | 10 minutes |
| Put cauliflower mixture in a 3-quart casserole, pour sauce over the top, and sprinkle with crumbs. Bake uncovered at 350Β°F for 30-40 minutes. | 40 minutes |
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking perfection.
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Prepare the cauliflower by removing the leaves and cutting it into florets. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets. Cook them until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside. This should take approximately 20 minutes.
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Dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for optimal flavor distribution.
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Slice the fresh mushrooms, adding a delightful earthy note to the dish.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined, forming a roux. Allow the roux to cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.
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Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens to a creamy consistency. This process should take approximately 10 minutes.
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Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates smoothly. The cheese will add a rich and indulgent flavor to the sauce.
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Once the cheese is fully melted, add the sour cream to the sauce, stirring until it’s well combined and the sauce is smooth and velvety. The sour cream will impart a tangy creaminess to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese and ham.
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In a 3-quart casserole dish, combine the cooked cauliflower, diced ham, and sliced mushrooms, mixing them together until evenly distributed. This will ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness!
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Pour the prepared sauce over the cauliflower mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and coats the ingredients thoroughly.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a delightful crunch and added texture.
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Bake the Cauliflower Ham Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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Serve this delectable Cauliflower Ham Bake as a satisfying main dish or as a flavorful side alongside your favorite holiday or everyday meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy with your favorite beverage, whether it’s a glass of chilled white wine, a refreshing iced tea, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa.
Notes:
- This Cauliflower Ham Bake can easily serve 6 as a hearty main dish or up to 10 as a delightful side.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as crispy bacon, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick and easy leftovers.
- Make ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when ready to enjoy, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
With its creamy sauce, tender cauliflower, and savory ham, this Cauliflower Ham Bake is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a special holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and savor the comforting flavors of this delicious dish! π₯¦π§π
