Leftover Ham Casserole: Cheesy Cauliflower Comfort Food

Have you ever found yourself staring at that leftover Easter or Christmas ham, wondering how to transform it into something exciting? Look no further! This Leftover Ham Casserole combines tender cauliflower, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a dish that makes leftovers feel like a luxury. The comforting aroma of melting cheese and herbs will fill your kitchen, while the contrast of crispy topping and creamy interior creates a texture sensation that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for unexpected guests, this Leftover Ham Casserole turns yesterday’s ham into today’s culinary triumph.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Ham Casserole

• ✅ Easy Leftover Ham Casserole for dinner that comes together in under an hour
• ✅ Creamy Leftover Ham Casserole with cheese that satisfies comfort food cravings
• ✅ One-pot Leftover Ham Casserole for weeknight meals with minimal cleanup
• ✅ Hearty Leftover Ham Casserole for family gatherings that feeds a crowd
• ✅ Low-carb alternative using cauliflower instead of traditional pasta or potatoes
• ✅ Great for meal prep – this Leftover Ham Casserole reheats beautifully

Ingredients for Leftover Ham Casserole

This cheesy cauliflower Leftover Ham Casserole transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal:

• 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets (cut into 1″ pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced in bite-size pieces)
• 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pork panko or seasoned breadcrumbs

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

• Dairy alternatives: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or light cream cheese instead of regular.
• Veggie variations: This Leftover Ham Casserole works beautifully with frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed vegetables if you don’t have cauliflower.
• Gluten-free option: Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free Leftover Ham Casserole alternative.
• Cheese options: While sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, you can substitute with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses.

How to Make Leftover Ham Casserole – Step by Step

Preparation Phase

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Step 4: Add the baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute until just wilted. Remove from heat.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 6: Add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping.

Step 7: Fold in the cooked cauliflower, sautéed onions and spinach, and diced ham until evenly coated with the cheese mixture.

Assembly and Baking

Step 8:

 Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: 

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the pork panko or breadcrumbs.

Step 10: 

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Step 11:

 Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Leftover Ham Casserole

For a truly exceptional Leftover Ham Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower – It should be tender-crisp before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the final dish.
• Pat dry your cauliflower after boiling to prevent excess water from making your casserole soupy.
• Room temperature dairy ingredients blend more smoothly and prevent curdling in your Leftover Ham Casserole.
• For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture.
• Create texture contrast by broiling the top for 1-2 minutes after baking to get an extra crispy topping.
• Let it rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld, making for easier serving and better taste.

Best Ways to Serve Leftover Ham Casserole

This versatile Leftover Ham Casserole can be served in multiple ways:

• As a complete main dish with a simple green salad on the side
• Alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious meal
• With crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce
• As part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and pastries
• Portioned into meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week

For a special dinner, pair this Leftover Ham Casserole with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, savory flavors.

Nutritional Information for Leftover Ham Casserole

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

This Leftover Ham Casserole is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following keto or low-carb diets.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Leftover Ham Casserole (ironically, leftovers of leftovers!) can be stored and enjoyed later:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments for quicker reheating.
• Refreshing: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze Leftover Ham Casserole?

Yes, Leftover Ham Casserole freezes exceptionally well. For best results, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

What can I add to Leftover Ham Casserole?

Leftover Ham Casserole is incredibly versatile. Consider adding cooked pasta, potatoes, or rice for a heartier dish. Vegetables like peas, broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms work wonderfully. For extra flavor dimensions, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

How do I reheat Leftover Ham Casserole?

The best way to reheat Leftover Ham Casserole is in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing it for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top. For individual portions, microwave on 70% power, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).

How long is Leftover Ham Casserole good for?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Leftover Ham Casserole will remain safe to eat for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months with minimal quality loss.

Conclusion

This cheesy cauliflower Leftover Ham Casserole transforms holiday ham remnants into a delicious, satisfying meal that your family will request year-round. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender vegetables, and savory ham pieces, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or impressive enough for weekend entertaining.

What’s your favorite way to serve Leftover Ham Casserole? Do you have special additions or family secrets that make your version unique? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!

Now that you have this versatile recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never look at leftover ham the same way again. Enjoy your delicious Leftover Ham Casserole!

Print