If you have some spare holiday ham or cooked ham steaks – leftover ham casserole is the perfect option for using it up! This easy recipe is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meal while ensuring nothing goes to waste. Not only that, but this delicious dish makes the best easy lunch or comforting midweek dinner.
Packed full of cheese, tender ham, egg noodles, and a flavorful sauce – my easy casserole will surely become a whole family favorite! I use cream of chicken soup to create a creamy, savory base and add some shredded cheese, which helps thicken the sauce. To finish it off, I sprinkle some bread crumbs on top for a crunchy contrast!
This ham and cheese casserole dish is creamy and comforting but also light enough to be enjoyed any day of the week. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty noodle casserole ready to serve in no time – making it the perfect recipe for any busy day.
Why You’ll Love Leftover Ham Casserole
- Uses up leftovers. Of course, the best part about this leftover ham casserole is that it uses up any extra ham you have! This makes it a super cost-effective dinner option as you use what you have on hand.
- Family-friendly. My delicious ham and noodle casserole is suitable for the entire family! Kids will love the creamy sauce and cheesy flavor, while adults can appreciate the ease of a one-pan meal.
- Easy to customize. This versatile casserole can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes. I’ll share some great suggestions for variations below!
Ingredients For Creamy Ham Casserole
- Cream of chicken soup
- Half and half
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheddar cheese
- Ham steak or leftover ham
- Egg noodles
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter melted
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Easy Ham Casserole Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- In a large glass bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half and half, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cheddar cheese, egg noodles, and ham. Mix until combined.
- Combine the bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Spread over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, and 5 minutes uncovered.
Leftover Ham Casserole Substitutions
If you follow my instructions and use the exact ingredients, you’ll end up with a delicious casserole. But this is also the perfect recipe to get creative with, as there are so many variations!
I love using up what I already have to hand, so here are some great substitutions to consider:
- Ham: While this recipe calls for cooked ham, you can use any type of leftover meat, such as turkey or chicken.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Chicken soup can easily be swapped out for cream of mushroom soup – both have a delicious, savory flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely sharp edge and creamy texture, but you could also use any shredded cheese that melts well, like Swiss cheese or Monterey jack cheese.
- Sour Cream: I just love how sour cream makes the sauce extra creamy. However, plain Greek yogurt is a great option if you don’t have any on hand.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you could also try other pasta shapes like macaroni or penne. Just make sure they have a similar cooking time as egg noodles; otherwise, your chosen pasta might not cook correctly.
- Seasonings: Add in some Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard or any other herbs and spices you like.
What to Serve With Leftover Ham Casserole Recipes
Serve this creamy pasta dish on its own for a complete meal, or pair it with a simple side dish for something extra special. I like to serve it with the following:
- A green salad: Especially one that has crunchy veggies like cucumbers and celery.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Instant Pot green beans or green onions sprinkled on top are great options!
- Garlic bread: My Italian cheese and herb bread would add even more cheesy goodness.
- Relish: For a brilliant contrast of flavors, a tangy relish would be perfect!
This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days if it’s kept in an airtight container. Thoroughly reheat any leftover casserole before eating.
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. It’s best to cook it first, cool it to room temperature, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as per instructions.
Freezing individual portions is also the perfect way to have easy, pre-made meals on hand!
Yes, you can make this casserole up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply combine the ingredients together in a dish and store it in the fridge – without the breadcrumb. When you’re ready to cook, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as instructed in your oven. It’s a great time-saver if you’re entertaining!
Leftover Ham Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 2 cups ham steak or leftover ham diced
- 12 onces egg noodles cooked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- In a large glass bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half and half, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cheddar cheese, egg noodles, and ham. Mix until cmobined.
- Combine the bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Spread over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, and 5 minutes uncovered.
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