Description: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Swiss Ham and Noodle Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of tender egg noodles, a rich cream of onion base, nutty Swiss cheese, and smoky ham creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. This is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent noodles from sticking)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of onion soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 cups ham, cubed
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the wide egg noodles. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. “Al dente” means slightly firm to the bite; you don’t want them mushy as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. To prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’re not using them immediately, toss them with 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a deep skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes softened and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the onion from burning and to ensure even cooking. The goal is to coax out the natural sweetness of the onion without browning it excessively.
Step 3: Combine Soup and Sour Cream:
Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important because adding the cream of onion soup and sour cream while the pan is still hot can cause the mixture to curdle. Stir in the cream of onion soup and sour cream until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, creating a velvety, creamy base that will coat the noodles and bind the casserole together. The sour cream adds a delightful tang that complements the richness of the Swiss cheese and ham.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, butter a 2½-quart casserole dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish and make serving easier. Layering is key to a well-balanced casserole.
Begin by spreading half of the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom of the buttered casserole dish. Spoon half of the creamy soup mixture over the noodles, ensuring each noodle is coated in the delicious sauce. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the creamy mixture, followed by half of the cubed ham.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and soup mixture. Top the casserole evenly with the rest of the shredded Swiss cheese and cubed ham. The final layer of cheese and ham will create a golden, bubbly crust that is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.
Step 5: Bake and Serve:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly, creating a more appealing texture and flavor. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the casserole from being too soupy.
Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of creamy Swiss cheese, tender ham, and buttery noodles all in one delicious bite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Swiss Ham and Noodle Casserole is a symphony of comfort and simplicity. The creamy, cheesy sauce, coupled with the savory ham and tender noodles, creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or use up leftover ingredients. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. The ease of preparation means you can have a hearty, homemade meal on the table in under an hour. But most importantly, you will love the way this casserole brings people together with its nostalgic, heartwarming flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole warm as a main course.
- Pair it with a simple green salad to add freshness and balance the richness of the casserole.
- Consider serving with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a complete and nutritious meal.
- A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- For a festive touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Tips:
- Cheese Selection: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Ham Options: Use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even bacon for a smoky twist.
- Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have wide egg noodles, penne or rotini can be substituted.
- Soup Swaps: Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used instead of cream of onion soup.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Freezing Option: Baked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prevent Sticking: Be generous with buttering the casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Swiss Ham and Noodle Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting, flavorful dish that will warm your heart and soul. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the irresistible flavors of this classic comfort food. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q2: I don’t have cream of onion soup. What can I substitute?
A2: No problem! Cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup make excellent substitutes. You could also use a homemade cream sauce with sautéed onions for a more personalized touch.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A3: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas would all be delicious additions. Simply sauté the vegetables before layering them into the casserole.
Q4: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together after cooking?
A4: The best way to prevent the noodles from sticking is to toss them with a tablespoon of butter immediately after draining. This will create a light coating that prevents them from clumping together.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
