At Thanksgiving dinner, I couldn’t care less about the turkey. Oh, I’m so much more about the yummy sides than I am about the Thanksgiving bird. And quite often, I don’t even put a slice of turkey on my plate.
But when it comes to Easter dinner? It’s a totally different story. Because I can totally get behind the traditional Easter dinner main dish. That’s right, I’m all about the ham! Whether it’s a Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze or my favorite Maple Crock Pot Ham, the Easter ham is right on par with all the tasty sides for me.
But what I love even more than Easter dinner’s ham is Easter dinner’s ham leftovers.
For one, ham leftovers mean I don’t have to really cook for {at least} a couple of nights. And two, there are so many yummy ways to enjoy them. Like my favorite ham salad. Or tasty slow cooker ham & corn chowder. Or my Mom’s super yummy ham & cheese lasagna.
Or in this creamy veggie-loaded Ham Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole.
Loaded with chopped ham, broccoli florets, and cauliflower all blanketed in a creamy cheesy white sauce, this casserole delivers up great flavor. The slight smokiness of the ham pairs wonderfully with the vegetables and cheesy sauce.
A quick topping of simple homemade buttered breadcrumbs adds a nice touch of texture to the top that then gets carried into every bite.
And if you don’t feel like gobbling up those ham leftovers right away? It’s super easy to save them for later.
I just chop or dice my ham, measure it into about 1 & 1/2 cup or 2 cup measures, place it in a zip-top baggie, and pop it in the freezer. That way, when I want to prepare a pan of Ham Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole or other ham dish with my leftovers, I just grab one of the pre-measured bags out of the freezer and am good to go.
Now while this casserole recipe is certainly a fabulous way to enjoy leftover ham, there’s no need to wait for those leftovers to make it. Simply buy a ham steak or a package of pre-chopped ham if you’d like to whip up a batch when there are no leftovers in sight.
But leftovers or not, after one bite I think you’ll agree this is sure one tasty way to enjoy your ham.
Source: Adapted from Taste of Home 100 Family Meals
(Printable recipe)
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1/4 c. chopped onion
- 2 T. unsalted butter
- 1 (14 oz. OR 16 oz.) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 (14 oz. OR 16 oz.) package frozen cauliflower
- 2 T. all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ c. milk
- 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ c. chopped fully cooked ham
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 slice bread, chopped fine or pulsed in a food processor into crumbs
- 1 T. unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and saute until limp, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add flour to skillet and stir to coat the onions. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan.
- Stir in broccoli, cauliflower, and ham. Spoon into a greased 9×9” or 11×7” pan.
- Toss together bread crumbs and the 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
- Bake at 375℉ for 25 – 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
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