Hearty Ham and Cauliflower Bake
Transform your leftover ham into a satisfying meal with this Hearty Ham and Cauliflower Bake. This casserole combines tender cauliflower florets, savory ham, and earthy mushrooms enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or when you need a comforting one-dish meal that’s both hearty and delicious. You can easily make this with leftover holiday ham or pick up a thick slice from your local market, making it a versatile go-to dish all year round.
6
Servings
367
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 medium (cut into florets)
butter or margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (none)
milk
1 cup (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
cubed cooked ham
2 cups (cubed)
sliced mushrooms
1 (3 ounce) can (drained)
soft breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
cold butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (cut into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Separate the cauliflower into florets, approximately 3 cups. Cook them in boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour gradually, whisking continuously until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to medium.
4
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
5
Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower, cubed ham, and drained mushroom slices into the cheese sauce.
6
Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
For the topping, sprinkle the soft breadcrumbs over the casserole. Dot evenly with 1 tablespoon of butter that's been cut into small pieces.
8
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
25g
Carbs
23g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Cauliflower Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines tender cauliflower, savory ham, and mushrooms in a rich cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You will need a 2-quart baking dish.
Can I use leftover holiday ham for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or a thick slice from the market.
How much cauliflower do I need?
You need 1 medium cauliflower, which should yield approximately 3 cups of florets.
How long should I cook the cauliflower before baking?
Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is there sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sour cream is added to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
How much ham is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cubed cooked ham.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe uses one 3-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained.
How do I make the topping for the bake?
Sprinkle 1 cup of soft breadcrumbs over the casserole and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter cut into small pieces.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 23g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 22g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3g of fiber per serving.
How do I make the base of the cheese sauce?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 1/3 cup of flour, and then slowly add 1 cup of milk until thickened.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
Should the cheese sauce mixture boil?
No, you should be careful not to let the mixture boil once the cheese and sour cream are added.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Gently fold the cooked cauliflower, cubed ham, and drained mushrooms into the prepared cheese sauce.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a versatile one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings.
What is the preparation for the cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be cut into florets before being boiled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What is the preparation for the ham?
The ham should be cooked and cut into cubes.
Can I make this dish year-round?
Yes, its versatility makes it a great go-to dish for any season.
Does the casserole need to be covered while baking?
No, bake the casserole uncovered to ensure the breadcrumb topping becomes crisp.
What texture should the sauce have?
The sauce should be a velvety, thickened cheese sauce.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm immediately after baking.