Creamy Ham and Swiss Noodle Bake
This comforting Creamy Ham and Swiss Noodle Bake is the perfect way to repurpose leftover Easter ham while creating a dish the whole family will love. With tender egg noodles enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, dotted with savory diced ham and vibrant green peas, this casserole is topped with crispy French-fried onions for an added crunch. Quick to prepare and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand, it's a meal that combines convenience and flavor in one delicious package. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this hearty recipe is sure to please!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
8 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (used for thickening the sauce)
half-and-half
1 cup (used in the sauce)
chicken broth
1 cup (used in the sauce)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (grated)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (used in the sauce)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cooked ham
1 cup (diced)
frozen peas
1 cup (added directly to the noodle mixture)
French-fried onions
3 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
3
In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. If necessary, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Once the sauce has reached a medium thickness, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Swiss cheese, dry mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
In the pot with the cooked egg noodles, add the diced ham and frozen peas. Pour the cheesy sauce over the mixture, and stir everything together until well combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish and spread it evenly. Top generously with the French-fried onions.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
9
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious casserole!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
27g
Carbs
11g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Swiss Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring egg noodles, diced ham, and frozen peas in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce, finished with a crunchy French-fried onion topping.
What oven temperature is needed for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before baking the casserole.
How long should the casserole bake?
The dish should bake for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
What type of noodles are recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of egg noodles cooked according to package instructions until al dente.
Can I use leftover ham for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover Easter ham or any savory diced ham.
What cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese to create a rich and savory flavor profile.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this noodle bake.
What is the topping for the casserole?
The casserole is topped with 3 ounces of French-fried onions for added crunch and flavor.
What liquids are used to make the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 cup of half-and-half and 1 cup of chicken broth whisked into a butter and flour roux.
Do I need to thaw the frozen peas?
No, the frozen peas can be added directly to the noodle mixture before baking.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving contains approximately 11g of protein.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains about 27g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What seasonings are used?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While half-and-half provides richness, you could use whole milk as a substitute, though the sauce may be thinner.
What can I use if I don't have Swiss cheese?
Gruyere or white cheddar would be excellent substitutes for Swiss cheese in this recipe.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth sauce.
Why should I let the casserole sit before serving?
Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used; just ensure they are cleaned and ready to be mixed in.
What is the purpose of the butter and flour?
Butter and flour are cooked together to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and ease of transport make it an ideal choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Mushrooms or chopped broccoli would complement the ham and Swiss flavors well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any 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 assemble the mixture in the dish ahead of time, but wait to add the French-fried onions until just before baking to keep them crunchy.
What if I don't have French-fried onions?
You can use breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter as an alternative crunchy topping.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy cheese sauce and familiar noodles usually make it a hit with children.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken or turkey would also work well with these ingredients.
Should the noodles be fully cooked before baking?
They should be cooked al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly while baking in the sauce.