Ham And Noodle Gratin

This Ham and Noodle Gratin features tender noodles tossed in a rich three-cheese sauce with savory ham and a buttery panko topping baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect served as a hearty side dish or easy entrée.

Easy Ham and Noodle Gratin Recipe

Pasta is always a winning option for one dish meals. This gratin is simple but elegant enough for serving when entertaining. This past Fall we made our annual trek to the Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida. As we stroll around the World Showcase at Epcot tasting dishes from countries around the world, I often gain inspiration for dishes to share with my family and ultimately with you here on my website. Our stop at Germany was my inspiration for this cheesy ham and noodle casserole they called nudel gratin. It’s comfort food the whole family will love.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Ham and Noodle Gratin: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Pasta – Egg noodles for the pasta layer.
• Ham – Cubed ham for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and Gruyere cheese gived this noodle gratin a melty texture.
• Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese gives the sauce a creamy texture.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the sauce.
• Liquid – Half and half for moisture.
• Spices – Granulated garlic or garlic powder, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, ground mustard.
• Bread Crumb Topping – Grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.

How to Make the Best Ham and Noodle Gratin Recipe

• Boil Egg Noodles – Cook the egg noodles per the package instructions until al dente and drain.
• Ham and Cheese – Cube ham and divide shredded cheese and divide into thirds.
• Make the Sauce – Use a mixer or in a stand blender whip together the softened cream cheese, half and half, grated Parmesan, eggs and seasonings.
• Assemble – In the bottom of a casserole dish layer egg noodles, ham and shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
• Sauce – Pour sauce evenly over the noodles sprinkle with the final layer of shredded cheese.
• Breadcrumb Topping – Toss the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese with the melted butter. Sprinkle on top.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown, then scoop and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Ham and Noodle Casserole

• Pasta pot and colander.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Cheese grater.
• Stand blender.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• 13×9-inch baking dish.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• No-Cook Sauce – The sauce for this noodle gratin isn’t made on the stovetop. It has a thicker texture than a creamy sauce you may expect in classic Mac and Cheese to match the inspiration we had at our meal at Epcot. The ingredients for the cheese sauce is whipped together using a stand blender. If you don’t have a stand blender, you could use an immersion blender and combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Pasta – You could adapt this recipe using medium shells or elbow macaroni.
• Ham – You could replace the ham with chicken or crumbled sausage to change the flavor profile.
• Half and Half – You can use heavy cream in place of half and half.
• Cheese – This particular shredded cheese blend is my favorite for this gratin, however you can use mozzarella cheese, Asiago cheese, smoked gouda cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese. Use your favorite cheese blend in the same amounts to personalize it to your taste.
• Serving Options – I like to serve this Ham and Noodle Gratin as a main dish, however it can be served as a breakfast or brunch dish as well.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – You can fully assemble this dish one day in advance, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator. When doing so allow 20-30 minutes on the counter to warm a bit before baking. You may also need to add to the baking time.
• Leftovers – Store baked Ham and Noodle Gratin covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Casserole Recipes to Make

There’s nothing like a casserole to fill up the family and make dinner prep a cinch. More casserole recipes you may also like to try:

• Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is always a hit.
• Baked Ziti is ideal for Italian night at home with the family.
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be made using rice or riced cauliflower.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a one dish meal.
• French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole with a salad and garlic bread is a feast.
• Easy Broccoli Casserole is one of my favorite side dishes to make.
• Pizza Casserole from Love from the Oven.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives