Savory Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole 2 Ways

Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole has become my go-to comfort food, and I can’t wait to share it with you! I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of savory ham and garlic filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. It’s such a satisfying and hearty dish, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you need a crowd-pleaser. This simple spinach ham cheese bake is incredibly versatile, and I’ve found it’s truly an easy cheesy ham spinach casserole that even beginner cooks can master. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

• The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect blend of savory ham and creamy cheese.
• It’s incredibly quick to put together, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal.
• Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a more wholesome option than many casseroles.
• It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, especially if you use leftover ham.
• Kids and adults both adore this family-friendly ham spinach casserole.
• The texture is wonderfully creamy, thanks to the rich sauce that defines a good creamy ham spinach casserole.
• It’s a fantastic way to use up ingredients you might already have on hand.
• This creamy ham spinach casserole is pure comfort food that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious ham and spinach bake. I find that using cooked ham, like leftover holiday ham, makes this recipe even easier and more economical. The fresh spinach wilts down beautifully into the creamy mixture, adding a lovely color and nutrients. The combination of eggs and cream creates that signature rich, cheesy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced – leftover ham works perfectly!
• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – wilts down to add color and nutrients
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice) – adds a nice texture and heartiness
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – for that irresistible cheesy flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk) – makes the casserole wonderfully creamy
• 3 large eggs, room temperature – helps bind everything together
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle garlic kick
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth of flavor
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – essential for a little spice
• ½ teaspoon salt – adjust according to your ham’s saltiness
• ½ teaspoon paprika – for color and a hint of sweetness
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional) – for a crunchy topping
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional) – to mix with breadcrumbs

How to Make Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

Creating this delightful spinach ham casserole for dinner is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, roughly chopped fresh spinach, and the cooked quinoa (or rice). Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to this mixture. Stir it all together until everything is nicely distributed.
3. Step 3: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or whole milk), the three large eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. This liquid mixture is what will make your spinach ham casserole for dinner so rich and delicious.
4. Step 4: Now, pour that luscious creamy mixture over the ham, spinach, and quinoa in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated. You’ll start to see how this comes together to create a fantastic spinach ham casserole for dinner.
5. Step 5: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
6. Step 6: If you’re using breadcrumbs for a little crunch, now’s the time! In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Step 7: Finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumbs. This ensures a beautiful, golden-brown cheesy crust.
8. Step 8: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and bubbly edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
9. Step 9: Once it’s done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is perfectly warm and delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

Want to elevate your cheesy ham spinach casserole from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee a fantastic result every time. These simple tips will help ensure your ham and spinach bake is perfectly creamy and flavorful.

• Don’t pack the ham and spinach mixture into the casserole dish; keep it a bit loose for even cooking.
• If using fresh spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly washed and roughly chopped. Wilting it slightly in a pan first can help remove excess moisture.
• For an extra creamy texture, consider using half cream and half milk, or even a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.
• Taste your mixture before adding salt, as ham can be quite salty already.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole?

The real secret to a perfect comfort food casserole like this lies in the balance of creamy ingredients and the quality of your cheese. Using a good binder like eggs and cream, along with a flavorful cheese blend, ensures that rich, satisfying texture everyone loves.

Can I make Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, minus the breadcrumb topping (if using), up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole?

The most common pitfall is a watery casserole. This usually happens if fresh spinach isn’t well-drained or if frozen spinach isn’t squeezed dry. Also, be careful not to overbake, which can make the eggs curdle and the casserole dry out. For more tips on preventing watery dishes, you can check out general cooking mistake avoidance.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

This versatile family-friendly ham spinach casserole is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with these complementary dishes. For a complete and satisfying meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Another fantastic option is some crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness. And for a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted broccoli or garlic mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect combination for any occasion! You can find more recipe inspiration at sarecipe.com/recipes/.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

When you’re enjoying a hearty slice of this cheesy ham spinach casserole, it’s good to know what you’re getting. This dish is generally high in protein thanks to the ham and eggs, making it a satisfying main course. The spinach and quinoa contribute fiber, which is great for digestion.

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of casserole)
• Calories: Approximately 350-450
• Fat: Moderate to High
• Saturated Fat: Moderate to High
• Unsaturated Fat: Low to Moderate
• Trans Fat: Low
• Carbohydrates: Moderate
• Fiber: Moderate
• Sugar: Low
• Sodium: Moderate (will vary based on ham and added salt)
• Protein: High
• Cholesterol: Moderate

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of cream and cheese.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

This delicious cheesy ham spinach casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Once it’s out of the oven and has rested for about 10 minutes, you can store it. Make sure it cools down completely before packing it away to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Store any leftover spinach ham cheese bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven gives it that lovely baked texture back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole

What makes this Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole so creamy?

The creaminess comes from the combination of heavy cream (or whole milk) and eggs, which create a rich, custardy base. This mixture binds all the ingredients together beautifully, making it a truly luxurious cheesy spinach casserole. Using good quality cheese also adds to the overall creamy texture.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for my cheesy ham spinach casserole?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you opt for frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole. Properly drained frozen spinach works just as well in this cheesy ham spinach casserole recipe.

How do I make this a lighter version of Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole?

To lighten up this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter milk, like 2% or even skim milk, though it might be slightly less creamy. Using a reduced-fat cheddar cheese can also help lower the fat content. You could also increase the amount of spinach and quinoa to balance the richness.

What are some good low-carb alternatives for this cheesy spinach casserole?

For a low-carb option, you can omit the quinoa and breadcrumbs entirely. Cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute for quinoa, offering a similar texture with fewer carbs. You could also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk up the casserole without adding carbs. This makes for a hearty, low-carb cheesy spinach casserole.

Variations of Cheesy Ham Spinach Casserole You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic cheesy ham spinach casserole, you’ll want to explore all the delicious ways to customize it! This versatile dish is a fantastic base for creativity. For a heartier, more robust flavor, try incorporating sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes into the mix. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this ham, spinach, and cheese bake recipe, simply omit the optional breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You could also swap the cheddar for a blend of Gruyère and Swiss cheese for a nuttier profile. For a quicker meal, try using pre-cooked ham steaks, finely diced, and ensure your spinach is well-drained if using frozen.

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