Cheesy Ham Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this luscious Cheesy Ham Bake, a golden, bubbling casserole that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. This hearty dish combines tender penne pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, perfectly complemented by savory diced ham and vibrant peas. Topped with a crunchy, garlicky panko crust, every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures. Ready in just 50 minutes, this baked pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re making use of leftover ham or craving something irresistibly cheesy, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups fully cooked ham (diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

Stir the cooked pasta, diced ham, and frozen peas into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Ham Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2160.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4435.1

Total Fat 214.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 113.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 773.6mg	0%
Sodium 10443.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 359.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 64.5g
Protein 268.6g	0%

Vitamin D 403.0IU	0%
Calcium 3702.9mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 3855.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.4%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 32.4%