Savory Ham and Cheese Cornbread Casserole
This delightful Savory Ham and Cheese Cornbread Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines the rich flavors of smoky bacon, hearty ham, and creamy cheddar cheese, all baked into a moist and fluffy cornbread base. After discovering this recipe in Sunday’s newspaper while browsing through coupons, it has quickly become a family favorite. Adding crispy bacon right into the cornbread not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to every bite. You can mix and match with your choice of vegetables, whether it's vibrant spinach or nutritious broccoli, and even experiment with whole corn for a different twist. This dish is easy to whip up and perfect for brunch, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Your guests will surely ask for seconds!
8
Servings
447
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
eggs
4 large (beaten)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted and cooled)
buttermilk cornbread mix
1 (6 ounce) package (none)
hot sauce
6 dashes (none)
onion
1 medium (diced)
spinach or broccoli
1 (10 ounce) package (frozen, thawed, and drained)
ham
2 cups (cooked and diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 10 1/2-inch cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease and drain the excess.
3
Return the reserved bacon grease to the skillet and place it in the oven to heat while you prepare the batter.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the milk, melted and cooled butter, and hot sauce, stirring until well combined.
5
Gently fold in the cornbread mix until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
6
Stir in the diced onion, thawed and drained spinach or broccoli, crumbled bacon, and diced ham. Mix until evenly distributed.
7
Carefully remove the heated skillet from the oven, taking care not to burn yourself.
8
Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and the top is golden brown.
10
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
24g
Carbs
21g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ham and Cheese Cornbread Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that combines smoky bacon, hearty ham, and creamy cheddar cheese baked into a moist and fluffy cornbread base.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What type of skillet should I use?
A 10.5-inch cast iron skillet is recommended for this recipe.
How much bacon is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
You will need 4 large eggs, beaten.
What size package of cornbread mix is used?
Use one 6-ounce package of buttermilk cornbread mix.
Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, you can use either a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach or broccoli, or even experiment with whole corn.
How much ham is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cooked ham diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
What kind of cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cornbread is set and the top is golden brown.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 447 calories per serving.
Does the recipe include any spice or heat?
Yes, it includes 6 dashes of hot sauce for added flavor.
How much butter is used and how should it be prepared?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of butter that should be melted and cooled.
What should I do with the bacon grease?
Reserve 1 tablespoon of grease to coat the skillet and drain the excess.
Is it necessary to preheat the skillet?
Yes, placing the greased skillet in the oven while preparing the batter helps create a good crust.
How should the frozen vegetables be prepared?
The spinach or broccoli should be thawed and thoroughly drained before being added to the mix.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of milk.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 33 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this casserole?
Each serving contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
There is 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What are the garnishing suggestions?
Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
How long should the dish rest after cooking?
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Does the recipe call for onion?
Yes, one medium onion, diced, is mixed into the batter.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 0.6 grams of sugar per serving.
Should the cornbread mix be overmixed?
No, you should gently fold in the mix until just blended to avoid overmixing.
When is the cheese added?
The shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top of the batter just before baking.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste.
For what occasions is this dish suitable?
It is perfect for brunch, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.