A classic mid-twentieth century cheesy noodle and ham casserole, celebrating the sweet zest of an Easter ham glaze. NOTE: THIS IS ONE DELICIOUS DISH.
This one is a WTTG TV DC (and now website) exclusive. You won't see it in my best-selling cookbook however there are of course plenty of other great casserole and comfort food recipes throughout!
Here you see the second half of the ham mixture before being topped off with the second half of the liquid skillet mixture, and before the panko breadcrumb topping!
Mac & Cheesy Ham Casserole
Makes 4 to 6 servings
8 ounces elbow noodles
3 tablespoons and 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, divided
3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon flour
1 3/4 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 shallot, minced
1 heaping tablespoon brown sugar
2 heaping tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos
1 can (15 ounces) sweet peas (drained)
3 1/2 cups (14 ounces) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups 1/2" diced cooked ham (about 1 pound)
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Heat oven to 350°F.
In medium pot, cook pasta two-thirds recommended time. Drain, set aside.
In large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium to medium-high heat. Add flour, stir till smooth. Gradually stir in half and half, salt, shallot, brown sugar, cook till thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in horseradish, lemon juice, pimentos, heat 2 minutes. set aside.
In large bowl, combine noodles, peas, cheese, ham.
Coat 8 x 8-inch (or other 2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon half of ham mixture into baking dish, followed by half skillet mixture, remaining ham mixture, then rest of skillet mixture. Recipe makes a lot, you may have to pile it high. In my experience, the more the merrier—this one doesn’t bubble over!
In small pot, melt 1/2 stick butter, add panko immediately, stir. Distribute crumbs over top of casserole. Bake uncovered 25 minutes till top is golden brown.
Rest 15 minutes. Serve to adulation and exclamations of joy.
Watch Erin Como serve some up during the LION Lunch Hour on Fox5. She wasn't shy about her helping.
It's so good, I couldn't stop eating it, even when I was supposed to be paying attention!
What a HAM! 🐷
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