Creamed Ham is a delightful dish that transforms leftover ham into a creamy, savory sensation perfect for brunch, lunch, or a simple supper. Whether served over poached eggs on toasted English muffins, paired with asparagus on buttered toast, or used as a filling for crepes, the possibilities are truly endless with this versatile recipe.
To begin crafting this delectable dish, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 3 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups of milk, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, 1 cup of cooked ham (diced or shredded), 1 ripe tomato (diced), and fresh parsley for garnish.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to embark on the culinary journey of creating Creamed Ham. The process is relatively quick, with a total cooking time of just 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for those busy mornings or evenings when you crave something satisfying yet straightforward.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating Creamed Ham:
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Sautee Onions: In a skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the finely chopped onion. Sautee the onions in the butter until they become translucent and fragrant, typically taking about 5 minutes.
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Incorporate Flour: Once the onions are cooked to perfection, sprinkle the flour evenly over the sauteed onions. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure that the flour combines well with the butter and onions, creating a smooth consistency.
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Add Milk: Next, remove the skillet or saucepan from the heat momentarily. Slowly pour the milk into the mixture while continuously stirring. This step is crucial to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce. Once all the milk is added, return the pan to medium-high heat.
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Thicken Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture constantly over medium-high heat until it begins to thicken. This typically takes a few minutes. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, reduce the heat to low.
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Incorporate Cheese: With the heat on low, gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add Sherry and Ham: Once the cheese is fully melted, it’s time to add the dry sherry and cooked ham to the sauce. Stir the mixture well to incorporate the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick at this stage, you can add a bit more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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Simmer and Serve: Allow the Creamed Ham mixture to simmer gently over low heat until the ham is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Once ready, garnish the dish with diced ripe tomatoes and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
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Serve and Enjoy: Creamed Ham is best served hot and fresh, straight from the stove. Spoon generous portions of the creamy ham mixture over your choice of accompaniment, whether it’s toasted English muffins, buttered toast with asparagus, or delicate crepes. Each bite is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich, savory goodness.
With its hearty ingredients and creamy texture, Creamed Ham is a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Plus, with a cooking time of just 35 minutes, it’s a practical option for any meal of the day, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends. Give this recipe a try, and savor the comforting flavors of Creamed Ham served in your favorite way.
