Best Easy Cheesy Ham and Noodle Bake Recipe

Cheesy ham and noodle bake combines diced ham, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce in a comforting family casserole. This protein-rich dish is perfect for using leftover ham and pleases all ages.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#comfort food #ham casserole #high protein #family meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • egg noodles 12 oz
  • cooked ham 2 cups
  • shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • milk 1.5 cups
  • sour cream 0.75 cup
  • frozen peas 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour 2 tbsp
  • onion powder 0.5 tsp
  • dry mustard 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 40%
Protein 22 g 21%
Fat 18 g 39%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 1 minute less than package instructions; drain well and set aside.

  3. 3

    Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the roux is lightly golden.

  4. 4

    Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. Add onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking over medium heat until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, then whisk in sour cream until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping) and stir gently until melted and smooth.

  6. 6

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, diced ham, frozen peas, and cheese sauce. Fold gently to combine without breaking the noodles.

  7. 7

    Spread mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup cheese over the top.

  8. 8

    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden around the edges. If deeper browning is desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

  9. 9

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set for easy scooping.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cheesy Ham and Noodle Bake recipe?
The defining ingredients are diced cooked ham and egg noodles, which create the base for the casserole’s texture and heartiness. The creamy cheese sauce, made with cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, and a touch of seasoning, is essential for rich flavor and that classic, comforting finish.
Q. How do you make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy?
The sauce gets its creamy texture by carefully whisking flour into melted butter over medium heat to create a roux, then slowly adding milk while constantly whisking. Once thickened, lowering the heat before adding sour cream and shredded cheddar ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Q. What’s the best way to avoid mushy noodles in this casserole?
To maintain the perfect noodle texture, undercook the egg noodles by about 1 minute less than the package directions before adding to the casserole. The noodles will continue to cook as the bake finishes in the oven, resulting in the ideal tender bite.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what’s the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each 330g serving contains approximately 420 kcal, with 22g protein (21% of calories) and 42g carbohydrates (40% of calories). This recipe is protein-rich and provides a balanced ratio suitable for hearty meals.
Q. Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
While this version uses 1 cup of frozen peas for color and sweetness, you can fold in additional cooked vegetables such as broccoli or carrots before baking. Just be sure not to overcrowd the casserole, which could affect its creamy texture.
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