Cheesy Ham & Cauliflower Casserole
This Cheesy Ham & Cauliflower Casserole combines tender cauliflower with savory cooked ham and a rich, creamy sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese. It's a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying and delicious meal. Perfect for using up leftover ham, this comfort food is so good that even those who typically shy away from creamy dishes will be coming back for seconds. Enjoy it as a hearty one-dish meal that offers both flavor and nutrition, ideal for family dinners or weekday lunches.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Cooked ham
2 cups (Cubed)
Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (Shredded (reserve 0.5 cup for topping))
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (8 ounces) (No preparation needed)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Salt
to taste (No preparation needed)
Black pepper
to taste (No preparation needed)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and rinse them thoroughly in a strainer to remove any dirt.
3
Dice the cooked ham into small cubes and mince the garlic cloves.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, cubed ham, minced garlic, condensed cream of mushroom soup, fat-free half-and-half, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
5
Mix all the ingredients together until the cauliflower and ham are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
6
Transfer the mixture into an ungreased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9
Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
10
Scoop onto plates and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham & Cauliflower Casserole?
It is a comforting baked dish featuring tender cauliflower, savory diced ham, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for this dish?
The cauliflower should be chopped into bite-sized florets and rinsed thoroughly in a strainer.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked ham, which should be diced into small cubes.
Is garlic included in this casserole?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves for added flavor.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, though regular sharp cheddar can also be used.
How much cheese is used in total?
A total of 1.5 cups of shredded cheese is used, with 1 cup mixed in and 0.5 cup reserved for the topping.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from one 8-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 2 tablespoons of fat-free half-and-half.
What seasonings are added to the mixture?
The dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking dish.
How are the ingredients combined?
In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, ham, garlic, soup, half-and-half, and one cup of cheese until everything is evenly coated.
Should I cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 45 to 50 minutes.
When do I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Does the casserole need to rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the sauce set.
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a hearty one-dish meal that provides both protein and vegetables.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
The cayenne adds a subtle kick, but it can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen cauliflower if it is thawed and drained well first.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients including the seasonings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, one dish meal, ham, cauliflower, cheesy, comfort food, and leftovers.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is ideal for both family dinners and weekday lunches.
Can I use a different type of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use regular or low-sodium cream of mushroom soup based on your preference.
What if I don't have fat-free half-and-half?
You can substitute with regular half-and-half or whole milk.
Does this dish have a specific category?
It is categorized generally as a casserole or baked dish.
How small should the ham be diced?
Dicing the ham into small cubes ensures you get a bit of ham in every bite.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, you can always sprinkle extra cheese on top if you prefer an even gooeier crust.
Is this dish nutritious?
Yes, it offers a good balance of protein from the ham and vitamins from the cauliflower.