Deli ham is a pantry staple that often gets relegated to sandwiches. But this versatile ingredient can be the star of a quick, satisfying dinner that feels anything but ordinary. This collection of deli ham recipes focuses on a creamy, cheesy casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Our featured recipe combines tender pasta, savory ham, and a rich, homemade cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It's a one-dish wonder that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you have leftover holiday ham or just picked up a pound from the deli counter, this dish is a delicious way to use it up.
We'll guide you through each step, from cooking the pasta to creating a velvety sauce, and offer tips for making it your own. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple, comforting meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 oz (340g) pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, or shells)
Any short pasta works. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great substitutes.
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
For the roux. Salted butter works too, just adjust added salt.
2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
Helps thicken the sauce. Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
Whole milk gives the creamiest sauce. 2% or unsweetened almond milk can be used for a lighter version.
1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds flavor. Try Gruyère, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses.
1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
For extra melt and stretch. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.
2 cups (300g) deli ham, diced
Any deli ham works—honey, smoked, or black forest. Use leftover baked ham too.
1 cup (150g) frozen peas
Adds color and sweetness. Can substitute with broccoli florets or spinach.
1/2 cup (60g) diced onion
Adds savory depth. Shallots or leeks are good alternatives.
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Enhances the cheese flavor. Yellow mustard or a pinch of dry mustard works.
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For a subtle garlic note. Use fresh minced garlic (1 clove) if preferred.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season carefully as ham and cheese are already salty.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcook the pasta
cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions since it will bake further.
- Shred your own cheese from a block for better melting and smoother sauce; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
- For a crispy top, sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Ham
In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the ham and onion, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Add Milk and Simmer
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine with Pasta and Peas
Remove from heat. Add cooked pasta and frozen peas to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
7. Bake Until Golden
If using an oven-safe skillet, place it directly in the oven. If not, transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Delicious Variations
- Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or broccoli florets for extra veggies.
- Swap the pasta for cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Make it spicy by adding 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Store Deli Ham Recipes
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover ham instead of deli ham?
Yes, absolutely. Leftover baked ham works perfectly. Just dice it into small pieces and use it in place of the deli ham.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of peas?
You can substitute with broccoli florets, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole if they are not frozen.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese and add it gradually over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese, as high heat can cause separation.
I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy deli ham casserole! It's perfect for a busy weeknight and sure to become a family favorite. Don't forget to share your creations in the comments below and subscribe for more tasty recipes!
Deli Ham Recipes
Deli Ham Recipes: Transform leftover ham into a creamy, cheesy casserole the whole family will love in just 30 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, or shells)
- 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups (300g) deli ham, diced
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
- 1/2 cup (60g) diced onion
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta — Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2Sauté Onion and Ham — In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- 3Make the Roux — Sprinkle flour over the ham and onion, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- 4Add Milk and Simmer — Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5Add Cheese and Seasonings — Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 6Combine with Pasta and Peas — Remove from heat. Add cooked pasta and frozen peas to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- 7Bake Until Golden — If using an oven-safe skillet, place it directly in the oven. If not, transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- 8Rest and Serve — Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
