Print

Cozy Leftover Ham Loaded Casserole Easy Crispy Topping Recipe

leftover ham casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, comforting casserole that uses leftover ham and pantry staples, topped with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for quick, cozy dinners with a creamy filling and crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced leftover ham (about 300 grams)
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 450 grams)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn blend) (150 grams)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 grams)
  • 2 cups whole or 2% milk (480 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (30 ml)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping (55 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel and dice three medium potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Parboil them in salted boiling water for about 8 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until lightly golden and nutty smelling.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the diced leftover ham, parboiled potatoes, thawed frozen mixed vegetables, and the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Toss ½ cup panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Parboil potatoes to avoid mushy texture. Cook roux longer to prevent raw flour taste. Mix cheese into sauce off heat to avoid graininess. Toss breadcrumbs with oil or butter for extra crunch. Let casserole rest before serving for better texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover ham casserole, crispy topping, easy casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy casserole, ham recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/cozy-leftover-ham-loaded-casserole-easy-crispy-topping-recipe/