Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight with our scrumptious Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe! Bursting with savory flavors and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings with loved ones. 🧀🍗
Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 tablespoon dill weed, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and set it aside.
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Combine Meat and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Set this delicious mixture aside, ready for the next step.
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Saute Onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until tender and fragrant.
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Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions, stirring continuously to form a thick paste.
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Add Cream: Gradually pour in the half-and-half cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Thicken Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about a minute until it thickens slightly.
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Seasoning: Stir in the chopped dill weed, dry mustard, and ground nutmeg, ensuring that all the flavors are well incorporated.
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Combine Sauce with Meat Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and pour the creamy sauce over the ham and cheese mixture in the large bowl. Gently mix everything together until evenly combined.
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Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss together the fresh bread crumbs, melted butter, chopped dill, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped walnuts until well coated.
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Top Casserole: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the creamy meat mixture in the baking dish, adding a delightful crunch and flavor.
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Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the cordon bleu casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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Enjoy: Serve up generous portions of this delectable casserole, savoring each bite filled with the savory goodness of ham, cheese, and a flavorful creamy sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or planning a special dinner for family and friends, this Cordon Bleu Casserole is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🍽️✨
