Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Cheddar Noodle Bake
This Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Cheddar Noodle Bake is a comforting and fulfilling one-dish meal that's perfect for family dinners. It combines tender ham, succulent onions, and creamy cheddar cheese with fluffy egg noodles, all brought together with a rich mushroom sauce. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also makes for excellent leftovers. Serve it hot out of the oven and enjoy a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Cubed Ham
2 cups (Diced)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped (about 1/2 cup))
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (None)
Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (Shredded (about 8 ounces))
Extra-Wide Egg Noodles
5 cups (Cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a large 4-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the cubed ham and chopped onion to the pan, cooking until the onion is tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low.
4
Once the mixture is warm, gradually stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy.
5
Fold in the cooked and drained extra-wide egg noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
6
Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and bubbling.
7
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Cheddar Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting, one-dish meal featuring ham, onions, and creamy cheddar cheese mixed with egg noodles and a mushroom sauce base.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include vegetable oil, cubed ham, onion, condensed cream of mushroom soup, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and extra-wide egg noodles.
How much ham do I need?
You will need 2 cups of cubed ham for this recipe.
What type of cheese is best for this bake?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a rich and tangy flavor that complements the ham.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, while cream of mushroom is traditional, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred.
What kind of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of cooked and drained extra-wide egg noodles.
How do I prepare the onion?
One medium onion should be chopped, which should yield approximately 1/2 cup.
Do I need to bake this in the oven?
While it is called a 'bake', this specific preparation method is completed on the stovetop in a large saucepan.
How long does it take to cook the ham and onions?
You should cook the cubed ham and chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
Is this recipe suitable for leftovers?
Yes, this casserole is known for making excellent leftovers that can be reheated later.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can replace the ham with a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.
How long do I heat the mixture after adding the noodles?
Cook the mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes until it is heated through and bubbling.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil or even butter can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil to sauté the ham and onions.
How many cups of cheese are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, which is roughly 8 ounces.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A large 4-quart saucepan is recommended to ensure there is enough room for all ingredients.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works well, though freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, known for hearty and filling comfort foods.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, carrots, or broccoli are great additions that pair well with the cheese and ham.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this noodle bake?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container, though the texture of the egg noodles may soften slightly upon thawing.
Do I need to add salt to the recipe?
The ham, cheese, and canned soup usually provide enough salt, but you can add more to taste if desired.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, shapes like rotini or penne can be used as long as they are cooked and drained first.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a mild, savory dish. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
Should I rinse the noodles after cooking?
Draining them is sufficient; rinsing is not necessary as the starch helps the cheese sauce cling to the noodles.
Can I add a topping?
Yes, if you want a crunch, you can top the finished dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
What meat can I use if I don't have ham?
Cooked chicken or turkey cubes make excellent alternatives to ham.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, the creamy cheese and familiar noodle texture make it very kid-friendly.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Gradually stir the cheese into the warm soup mixture over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
You can, but you would need to create a roux-based cream sauce to maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.
What should I serve with this meal?
A light green salad or steamed green beans balances the richness of this hearty casserole perfectly.