Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham is that kind of meal that makes a kitchen smell like home — creamy, cheesy, and bubbling away under a golden topping.
Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole wraps flavor, comfort, and simplicity into one perfect dish.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham is a warm, creamy pasta bake filled with tender broccoli, savory ham, and a rich blend of cheeses—topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
12 oz elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup light cream
½ tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cubed cooked ham
Topping:
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli to make it tender-crisp. Drain and run under cold water.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, and all seasonings. Stir over medium heat until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in all cheeses until melted.
7. Toss together the pasta, broccoli, ham, and cheese sauce.
8. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
9. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Do not overcook.
Notes
Add broccoli at the end of pasta cooking to avoid overcooking. You can swap ham with cooked chicken. Toppings can be customized – use Ritz crackers or just extra cheese if preferred. Great for using leftover ham from holidays. Be careful not to overbake, or the casserole may dry out. Try different cheeses if needed — like Mexican blend or Swiss.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Category:Dinner
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham: A Family Favorite Reborn
It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients can create such a crowd-pleasing dinner. Tender broccoli, smoky ham, and three cheeses come together with a buttery breadcrumb topping that crackles just slightly as your fork dives in.
What makes this Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham special is its balance. The sharp cheddar brings bite, Gruyere adds depth, and Parmesan rounds out the flavor with a savory finish. The broccoli keeps it fresh, and the ham gives that perfect smoky note that makes you reach for seconds.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham: Why It Works Every Time
There are casseroles, and then there are casseroles done right. This one nails it.
Texture harmony: The creamy sauce hugs every noodle, while broccoli and breadcrumbs keep things lively.
Flavor layering: Ham adds salty richness, while cheeses melt into a velvety blend.
Simple steps: Everything cooks in one dish, and it’s done in under an hour.
Great for leftovers: A smart way to repurpose ham from Easter or any holiday meal.
➊ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
➋ Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking to soften slightly. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
➌ Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir for 2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
➍ Add liquids: Slowly whisk in milk, light cream, and all seasonings — mustard powder, onion powder, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until thickened.
➎ Add the cheeses: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
➏ Combine everything: Gently toss together pasta, broccoli, ham, and cheese sauce in a large bowl until coated evenly.
➐ Transfer to the baking dish and smooth out the top.
➑ Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
➒ Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Don’t overcook — you want creamy, not dry.
This bake shares the same satisfying depth as Old-Fashioned Goulash and the cheesiness of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy but secretly couldn’t be simpler.
Serving Story
When you pull the Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ham from the oven, it should have that irresistible scent of butter, cheese, and toasted crumbs. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the sauce sets slightly.
Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. This dish holds its own, whether as a weekday dinner or on a holiday buffet beside roasted turkey or glazed carrots.
For anyone who loves layered flavors, it has the same comfort factor as Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe — creamy sauce, golden top, and pure satisfaction.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🕒 Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake at 400°F until hot and bubbly.
Freeze It: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Leftovers: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Pro Tips
For extra creaminess, stir a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
A sprinkle of nutmeg adds subtle warmth that complements the Gruyere.
If you want crunch, mix crushed crackers or even fried onions into the topping.
To make it lighter, use whole-wheat pasta or low-fat cheese — still rich, still satisfying.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes! Thaw it completely and pat dry before mixing — this prevents watery casserole.
Q2: What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese? Swiss or even mozzarella works well. Gruyere just adds that nutty note, but it’s flexible.
Q3: Can I skip the breadcrumbs? Of course. Just top with extra cheese for a more indulgent finish — it melts beautifully.
