This Savory Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Casserole is everything you want in a comforting dish. It's quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for using up leftover ham. Whether you're looking for a cozy family meal or something to impress at a potluck, this casserole has got you covered.
The star of the show is the ham, giving the dish a savory, meaty flavor. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and a pop of green, balancing the richness. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, offering a bold cheesy flavor, while Parmesan cheese adds a touch of nuttiness. Sour cream and cream of chicken soup create a creamy base, making every bite irresistible. A touch of milk helps to smooth out the mixture, while onion and garlic provide aromatic depth. Black pepper and salt are your basic seasonings, but smoked paprika and cayenne pepper give it a smoky, spicy kick. Finally, breadcrumbs mixed with butter turn into a golden, crispy topping.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side would make it a complete meal. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of white wine complements it beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you time to prep while the oven gets nice and hot. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until they're fragrant and translucent. It should take just a few minutes.
Next, add in the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. You don’t want them too mushy, just a bit tender. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine your diced ham, the sautéed broccoli mixture, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Now, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Once mixed, transfer everything into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, melted butter, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This will be your crumb topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole. It should cover the surface nicely.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a bubbly, hot interior. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.