Cheesy Tortellini Bake with Savory Ham Bites
Indulge in this delectable Cheesy Tortellini Bake with Savory Ham Bites, a perfect mix of creamy cheese, tender tortellini, and flavorful baked ham. This comforting dish combines the richness of a homemade cheese sauce with the crunch of golden panko breadcrumbs, delivering an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering, this hearty meal is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
3-cheese tortellini
9 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (used for roux)
milk
1/2 cup (used for cheese sauce)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (for sauce)
baked ham
1/2 lb (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (toasted lightly in a skillet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray an 8x8 inch glass casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Once done, drain well and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, creating a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until it is lightly golden.
4
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick. Be careful not to let it boil.
5
In the prepared casserole dish, combine the chopped baked ham and cooked tortellini, mixing well to evenly distribute the ham throughout the pasta.
6
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the ham and tortellini mixture, ensuring everyone is bathed in deliciousness.
7
In a skillet, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until they’re golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8
Sprinkle the toasted panko over the top of the casserole dish, creating a crunchy topping.
9
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Cheesy Tortellini Bake?
The main protein in this dish is 1/2 lb of baked ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much tortellini is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 ounces of 3-cheese tortellini.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8x8 inch glass casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the tortellini?
Cook the tortellini in a large pot according to the package directions, then drain well.
What are the ingredients for the cheese sauce roux?
The roux is made using 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk to be whisked into the roux.
What kind of cheese is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese for the sauce.
Should I let the cheese sauce boil?
No, you should be careful not to let the cheese sauce boil while thickening.
How is the topping for the casserole made?
The topping consists of 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs that are lightly toasted in a skillet until golden brown.
How long does the tortellini bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake for 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the top is bubbly and golden.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, generously spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before starting.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients in this recipe.
How do I toast the panko breadcrumbs?
Lightly toast them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
In what order do I combine the main ingredients in the dish?
Combine the chopped ham and cooked tortellini first, then pour the cheese sauce over them.
What type of tortellini is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 3-cheese tortellini for the best flavor profile.
Is the flour cooked before adding milk?
Yes, the flour and butter mixture should be cooked for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden before adding milk.
Can I use this for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect hearty meal for cozy family dinners.
What texture does the panko add?
The toasted panko adds a crunchy texture to the top of the creamy casserole.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include comfort food, family meal, pasta dish, and cheesy bake.
Is the ham pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe uses baked ham that is then chopped for the casserole.
Should the milk be added all at once?
The milk should be whisked in slowly to ensure the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
How do I ensure the ham is distributed evenly?
Mix the chopped ham and cooked tortellini well within the casserole dish before adding the sauce.
Is this a fast meal to prepare?
With a 20-minute bake time and simple stove-top prep, it is efficient for a hearty dinner.
Can I use different cheeses?
While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can experiment with other melting cheeses for different flavor profiles.
What makes this dish 'savory'?
The combination of baked ham, a buttery roux, and sharp cheddar cheese provides a deep savory flavor.
Is the pasta cooked entirely in the oven?
No, the tortellini must be boiled according to package directions before being added to the bake.
What heat setting is used for making the sauce?
The cheese sauce should be prepared over medium heat.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a tortellini bake and a casserole.