Best Easy Ham and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Ham and broccoli bake combines diced ham, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce in a comforting family casserole. This protein-rich dish is perfect for using leftover ham and makes a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cooked ham 2 cups
  • broccoli florets 4 cups
  • cooked penne pasta 2 cups
  • shredded cheddar cheese 1.5 cups
  • whole milk 1.25 cups
  • unsalted butter 3 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • garlic powder 0.5 tsp
  • onion powder 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 14 g 15%
Protein 25 g 27%
Fat 21 g 58%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking.

  2. 2

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to preserve color and crispness.

  3. 3

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a blonde roux. Gradually add milk while whisking, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.

  5. 5

    Combine cooked penne, ham, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup cheddar evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling at the edges and lightly golden on top.

  7. 7

    Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set for optimal slicing and texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is diced cooked ham, which provides unique savory flavor and a substantial amount of protein. Combined with broccoli and cheddar, it's essential for the dish's taste and texture.
Q. What cooking technique ensures the bake is creamy and not dry?
Making a proper roux by cooking butter and flour before slowly whisking in milk forms a creamy base. Ensuring the sauce thickens before adding cheese keeps the bake moist through oven-baking.
Q. How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?
Only blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes, then cool them immediately with cold water. This stops the cooking process and maintains their bright color and tender-crisp bite in the final dish.
Q. How many calories and protein does each serving have?
Each 260g serving contains approximately 370 kcal, with 25g protein, 14g carbohydrates (15% of calories), and 21g fat (58% of calories).
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