Cheesy Ham & Noodle Delight Casserole
Looking for a heartwarming dish that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Ham & Noodle Delight Casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser! With tender egg noodles bathed in creamy chicken soup, succulent pieces of ham, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It comes together in just one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this casserole is sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. Serve it alongside a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread for a meal everyone will remember fondly, just like my sister's friends who constantly craved it during their time abroad in Kenya!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
8 ounces (dry, uncooked)
chopped cooked ham
1 1/2 cups (cooked, already chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
cream of chicken soup
10.5 ounces (canned)
low-fat milk
1/2 cup (liquid)
margarine or butter
1 tablespoon (softened or cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a buttered 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles on the bottom.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle half of this ham and cheese mixture over the layer of noodles.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the low-fat milk until smooth.
6
Spoon half of the soup mixture over the layer of ham and cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, the remaining ham and cheese mixture, followed by the remaining soup mixture.
8
Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of margarine or butter for added richness.
9
Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
11
Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham & Noodle Delight Casserole?
It is a heartwarming comfort food dish made with egg noodles, cooked ham, and cheddar cheese in a creamy soup base.
What kind of noodles are best for this casserole?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of egg noodles cooked until al dente.
How do I prepare the egg noodles?
Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente, then drain them before layering.
Can I use leftover ham in this recipe?
Yes, using 1.5 cups of chopped cooked ham is ideal, making it a great way to use leftovers.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melt.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
A 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup is used to create the creamy base.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred.
What kind of milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat milk to be whisked with the soup.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for a total of 30 minutes until it is heated through and bubbly.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the first part of baking to prevent over-browning.
Why should I remove the foil at the end?
Removing the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes allows the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
What is the purpose of dotting the top with butter?
Small pieces of margarine or butter are added to the top for extra richness and flavor.
What size casserole dish is required?
A buttered 2-quart casserole dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: egg noodles, ham, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and butter.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, because it comes together in just one dish, cleanup is very quick and easy.
What are the recommended side dishes?
It is delicious served alongside a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer half the noodles, then half the ham and cheese, then half the soup mixture, and repeat the process.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either margarine or butter to be dotted on top.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Absolutely, it is designed as a quick and easy family meal for busy schedules.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
While not in the original recipe, ingredients like peas or broccoli would be great additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
How do I know when it is finished baking?
It is done when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Can I use whole milk instead of low-fat?
Yes, whole milk can be used and will result in an even creamier consistency.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger 9x13 inch baking dish.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, its cheesy and familiar flavors make it a big hit with children.
What should the ham's preparation be?
The ham should be already cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces before being added.
Is the soup used straight from the can?
The canned soup should be whisked with the milk until smooth before being added to the layers.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
Between noodle boiling and baking, the total time is approximately 45-50 minutes.