North Croatian Ham and Pasta Casserole Krpice Sa Sunkom
Discover the comforting flavors of **North Croatian Ham and Pasta Casserole (Krpice Sa Šunkom)**, a hearty dish that brings together rich, smoky ham, al dente pasta, and a luscious blend of cream and cheese. This traditional Croatian recipe uses square-shaped krpice pasta or wide egg noodles as a base, combined with sautéed onions and golden ham for a burst of savory depth. The creamy sauce, infused with heavy cream and a hint of black pepper, ties everything together before being baked to golden perfection with a gooey layer of melted Gouda or Emmental cheese. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners or to impress guests at any gathering. Ready in under an hour, this versatile dish serves beautifully as both a satisfying main course or a flavorful side, paired with a crisp green salad.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams wide egg pasta (or square-shaped krpice pasta)
- 250 grams smoked ham (diced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 200 milliliters heavy cream
- 100 grams grated cheese (e.g., Gouda or Emmental)
- 100 milliliters milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced smoked ham to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is slightly golden.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed onions, and ham. Mix to distribute evenly.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the pasta and ham, stirring to coat everything thoroughly.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
572 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.4 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.3 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 1460 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 224 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 325 mg | 7% | |
*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.
