Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Biscuit Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food casserole that combines diced ham with a rich, creamy onion and celery sauce, topped with unbaked biscuits and baked until golden.
What type of ham should I use for this recipe?
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, but you can also use store-bought pre-diced ham.
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead of homemade?
Yes, you can substitute the homemade biscuit dough with a batch of your favorite store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9x12-inch casserole dish or a similar Pyrex dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
You should finely dice half of a sweet onion and a quarter cup of celery.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced onion and celery until they are soft and translucent.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir six tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes before adding liquids.
What type of milk is best for the creamy sauce?
Whole milk or 2% milk is recommended to achieve the proper creamy consistency.
Which condensed soup is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for one 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of celery soup.
Do I need to cook the biscuits before adding the ham?
No, the biscuit dough is placed in the greased dish unbaked, and the sauce is poured over it.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake for approximately 30 minutes until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden brown.
Why should I put a jelly roll pan under the casserole?
A jelly roll pan will catch any sauce that might overflow from the dish while it bubbles in the oven.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
While lemon juice adds a nice brightness, you could use a small splash of white wine vinegar or omit it if necessary.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, generously greasing the dish prevents the dough and sauce from sticking to the sides.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce or on top of the biscuits would be a delicious variation.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen diced onions or celery, but ensure they are sautéed until all excess moisture has evaporated.
What if I don't have sweet onions?
You can use yellow or white onions as a substitute, though sweet onions provide a milder flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not specified, a 9x12 casserole typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I substitute the ham with chicken?
Yes, cooked diced chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for the ham.
How do I store leftover Creamy Ham and Biscuit Bake?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance, but it is best to assemble and bake just before serving for the best biscuit texture.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup are excellent alternatives to cream of celery.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
It can be frozen, but the texture of the biscuits may become slightly soggy upon thawing and reheating.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair well with this hearty dish.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick before pouring over the biscuits, you can whisk in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce, provided you also use gluten-free biscuit dough.
What makes this a 'one-dish meal'?
Since it contains protein, starch, and a vegetable-based sauce all in one pan, it serves as a complete meal.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
The biscuits should be firm to the touch, risen, and have a deep golden-brown color on the surface.