Mother's Ham Casserole Recipe
One of my mother's favorite dishes, this recipe always brings back fond memories of her when I prepare it. It's a terrific use of leftover ham from a holiday dinner. Our five grandchildren are my favorite interest outside the kitchen!
One of my mother's favorite dishes, this recipe always brings back fond memories of her when I prepare it. It's a terrific use of leftover ham from a holiday dinner. Our five grandchildren are my favorite interest outside the kitchen!
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
- 7 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 1 large carrot sliced
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- Carbohydrate 8.90040078449474 g
- Cholesterol 53.3804687728918 mg
- Fat 20.4702358459887 g
- Fiber 0.765259852906844 g
- Protein 1.52647811123008 g
- Saturated Fat 12.8251533876804 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (242g)
- Sodium 288.429611477147 mg
- Sugar 8.1351409315879 g
- Trans Fat 1.47196227544934 g
- Calories 222 calories
Step-by-step
- In a saucepan, bring the potatoes, carrot, celery and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain.
- In a large skillet, saute the ham, green pepper and onion in 3 tablespoons butter until tender. Add to the potato mixture. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; add cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour over the ham mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Mother's Ham Casserole: A Taste of Home
This recipe isn't just a dish; it's a journey back in time. Every time I make Mother's Ham Casserole, I'm transported to my childhood kitchen, filled with the comforting aromas of simmering vegetables and melting cheese. The warmth of the oven, the gentle sizzle of the ham in the pan – these are the sensory memories that flood back, and it’s more than just a meal; it's a hug from my mom, a reminder of simpler times, a testament to the enduring power of family recipes.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. It's the kind of dish that can be easily adapted to whatever you have on hand. Leftover ham from Easter? Perfect! A glut of garden vegetables? Even better! The core ingredients – potatoes, carrots, celery, ham – provide a hearty base, while the creamy cheese sauce adds a touch of indulgence. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and surprisingly versatile. And let’s not forget the golden-brown bread crumbs that add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
The best part? This casserole is incredibly forgiving. Don't worry about precise measurements; feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. Want more cheese? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? Experiment! The joy of cooking, especially when it comes to family recipes, lies in the freedom to personalize and make it your own. It's a recipe that invites improvisation, encourages creativity, and guarantees a delicious outcome. And speaking of delicious, this casserole is the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a cozy night in. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser, time and time again.
Beyond the deliciousness, this casserole holds a deeper significance for me. It's a link to my past, a tangible connection to my mother's love and her legacy in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that I share with my own children and grandchildren, creating new memories and carrying on a cherished family tradition. It’s a reminder that food is more than just sustenance; it's a way to connect with loved ones, share stories, and create lasting bonds. The simple act of making this casserole is a way for me to honor my mother, to celebrate our shared history, and to pass on a piece of her heart to the next generation. It’s a legacy I treasure, and a recipe I’ll continue to share for years to come.
More than just a recipe, this ham casserole is a story—a narrative woven into every step of its preparation. From the humble beginnings of leftover ham to the final flourish of breadcrumbs, it’s a story of resourcefulness, of love, and of the enduring power of family traditions. And as I watch my grandchildren savor each bite, I know that this story, like the recipe itself, will continue to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the warmth and love embedded within this simple casserole will live on for years to come.
The wonderful thing about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the quantities of vegetables to suit your preferences and what’s available. It's a wonderful way to use up leftover vegetables, making it a truly economical and resourceful meal. I often add extra mushrooms or peas, depending on what's in season. The possibilities are endless!
And the aroma while it bakes! It’s heavenly. It fills the house with a comforting warmth, inviting everyone to the table. It’s the kind of smell that evokes feelings of nostalgia and contentment. It's the smell of home, of family, and of love.
Making this casserole isn't just about following a recipe; it's about creating a cherished experience, a moment to connect with my heritage and share it with those I love. And that, more than anything, is what makes this more than just a recipe; it's a legacy.
