Got leftover ham? Why not use it in this delicious Cheesy Ham Bake? This casserole is quick to put together, and can be assembled a day or two ahead. It?s great on a holiday buffet or for a tree-trimming party, since the holidays is when most of us have lots of leftover ham. The fresh mushrooms give this dish a bit of elegance, and the sauce is made quickly with water and the versatile Basic Cream Soup Mix, which is such a timesaver, that it should be on everyone?s pantry shelf already.

Of course, if you have leftover turkey instead, it works well in this dish, too, but ham is the favorite because it has a more pronounced taste. Feel free to add red and green peppers to give this Cheesy Ham Bake a colorful holiday feel, and if you like, you can double the mushrooms. This is one of those casseroles that you can easily make your own. And it?s not just for the holidays; it can be put together quickly so it?s great for anytime of the year. Hot, fluffy rice and a green salad are good accompaniments.

8 Servings

3 cups cauliflower, broken into bite-size florets

1 tablespoon butter
2/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups ham, cut into 1/2' dice

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup Basic Cream Soup Mix

2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 400?.
2. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and add a cup of water; cover and microwave 5 minutes (it will still be crisp).
3. Drain and set aside.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the onions and mushrooms and stir-fry until softened.
6. Add the ham and stir until slightly browned; stir in the cauliflower.
7. Whisk in the water and cream soup mix; continue whisking until thickened.
8. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese and sour cream.
9. Pour the mixture into a shallow 1 1/2 - 2 quart baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the top with the cheese, then bread crumbs.
11. Bake about 30 minutes until bubbly.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 291 Calories from Fat 168
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 58% Protein 24% Carb. 19%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 60 mg
Sodium 695 mg
Total Carbohydrate 13 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 17 g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 57% Calcium 0% Iron 8%