Ham Apple Cheddar Casserole
Indulge in the irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors with this Ham Apple Cheddar Casserole! This hearty, oven-baked dish combines tender chunks of diced ham, crisp slices of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a velvety cheese sauce featuring a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and optional breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this unique recipe beautifully balances sweet and savory notes while offering a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Don't forget the fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor that takes this casserole from comforting to unforgettable!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta shells, cooked and drained
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni or small pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Save the remaining cheese for topping.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, sliced apples, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese for an added crunchy topping.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.3 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 109 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1499 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.9 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.2 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 456 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
