Creamy Amish Country Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something ridiculously comforting? This amish country casserole is your answer. Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a dish, a cheesy, hammy dream.

Brief Overview

Originating from the heart of Lancaster County food , this old fashioned casserole is a staple. It's proper comfort food casserole .

This is an easy recipe and requires 50 minutes to prepare. The recipe will serve 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

This is one of the easiest easy casserole recipes around, and it's packed with protein. Serve this amish dinner recipes at your next potluck! It's special because it's simple, hearty, and everyone loves it.

The Heart of Amish Cooking: Creamy Goodness

This creamy amish country casserole is proper comfort food casserole . It's cheesy, hammy, and full of noodles. What's not to love? It's one of those easy casserole recipes that you can whip up in a flash.

This is what it is, ham and noodle casserole perfection, right? Think of it as a cheesy ham casserole . It's a taste of tradition with every bite.

You will instantly travel to Lancaster County.

What Makes This Amish Casserole Special?

Seriously, this baked noodle casserole will be gone fast! It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This recipe brings a touch of Lancaster County to your table, no matter where you are. Trust me.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our goodies. You'll need egg noodles, butter, flour, milk, dried mustard, salt, pepper, cooked ham, cheddar cheese, and peas.

Oh, and a little parsley if you're feeling fancy. This cream sauce casserole is really a star.

Amish Country Casserole: Time to Prep!

Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? This amish country casserole is all about simplicity. So, there aren't a load of fancy ingredients.

We want something that is easy like the best easy casserole recipes . Remember Lancaster County food and its down-to-earth goodness.

This is it. Let's roll our sleeves up and dive in.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) wide egg noodles. Don't overcook! Aim for al dente.
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter. Go for the good stuff; you deserve it!
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour. Just your basic plain flour.
• 4 cups (950ml) whole milk. Makes the cream sauce casserole extra creamy.
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard. Adds a nice little zing.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt. Or more, to taste!
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
• 2 cups (250g) cooked ham, cubed. Leftover Christmas ham? Winner winner! A great alternative would be this delicious ham and noodle casserole .
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Sharp cheddar is my fave, but use what you like.
• 1/2 cup (60g) frozen peas, thawed. Brings a bit of colour.

Seasoning Notes

For that real amish casserole recipe , you need that mustard kick. It just wouldn't be the same without it.

Salt and pepper, obviously, but don't be shy. Taste as you go! If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce casserole can really warm things up.

Got no dried mustard? A teaspoon of yellow mustard will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don't need much. This cheesy ham casserole is about comfort, not complication. You'll need:

• A big pot. For boiling those lovely egg noodles.
• A colander. Essential for draining.
• A large saucepan. For your cream sauce casserole .
• A whisk. Keep that sauce smooth!
• A 9x13 inch baking dish. The perfect size for this comfort food casserole .

If you haven't got a fancy whisk, a fork will work. If you don't have the exact size baking dish, use something similar. This old fashioned casserole is forgiving!

Creamy Amish Country Casserole: A Taste of Tradition

Right, let's chat about this amish country casserole . Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? It's proper comfort food, isn't it? This amish casserole recipe is all about bringing that Lancaster County food feel right to your kitchen.

You know those dishes that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? This is definitely one of them.

Trust me, it's so easy that even I can't mess it up.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organized. Chop your 2 cups of cooked ham , measure out your 4 cups of milk , and grate your cheese you'll need 2 cups of cheddar cheese in total.

Essential mise en place is key. This cream sauce casserole will come together so much faster if you've got everything ready to go.

Honestly, I sometimes skip this and then I end up running around like a headless chicken.

step-by-step: From Hob to Table

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook your 1 pound egg noodles 'til al dente . Don't overcook them, or they'll go all mushy. Drain 'em well!
3. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour until it's smooth. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of milk .
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried mustard , 1/2 teaspoon of salt , and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper . Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked noodles, ham, 1 cup of cheddar cheese , and 1/2 cup of peas . Mix well.
6. Pour into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese .
7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Secrets to a Perfect Casserole

Want to make this ham and noodle casserole even better? Here's a trick: let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking.

This helps it set properly. Also, avoid pre-shredded cheese. It doesn't melt as nicely. If you want a cheesy ham casserole , grate your own from a block of cheddar.

This old fashioned casserole is a classic for a reason! And honestly, it’s one of those easy casserole recipes that you can totally make-ahead.

Just assemble it and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to eat. It makes for a very quick amish dinner recipes .

If you're looking for an easy casserole recipes , this is definetely the baked noodle casserole recipe for you.

Recipe Notes for Your Amish Country Casserole

Oh my gosh, you guys are going to love this amish country casserole . Seriously, it's comfort food casserole at its finest! But before you dive in, let's chat about some helpful hints to make sure yours is absolutely perfect.

This amish casserole recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few tweaks can elevate it to next level deliciousness.

Serving Up Smiles

This ham and noodle casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Honestly, the presentation is pretty simple: just scoop a generous helping onto a plate.

But, here's a little tip I learned from my aunt: a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy. It's also great with a simple green salad, or some steamed green beans.

They are so simple but adds some freshness to the creamy, rich baked noodle casserole . For drinks, I like it with apple cider in the fall.

Or even a glass of iced tea in the summer. So good!

Storing Secrets

If you have leftovers, don't fret! The cheesy ham casserole keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze it. Just let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

It should last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Then bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes , or until heated through.

You could also microwave it, but honestly, baking it keeps it from getting rubbery.

Variations on a Theme

Want to mix things up a bit? You can easily adapt this cream sauce casserole . For a lighter version, use skim milk instead of whole milk.

You could also add extra veggies like broccoli or mushrooms. Or, if you're not a fan of ham, try cooked chicken.

It works just as well!

For the vegetarians, you can omit the ham completely and load up on veggies. Also, you can use vegetable broth.

It gives extra flavor. This old fashioned casserole can become your own signature dish with these variations.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving has about 450 calories, 25g of protein, 20g of fat, and 40g of carbs.

Not bad for a hearty meal, right? But, remember, this easy casserole recipes is all about balance. This dish offers a good mix of protein and carbs for sustained energy.

I remember when I first tried making an amish dinner recipes like this, I was so nervous about the sauce being lumpy.

But honestly, just keep whisking and it'll come together beautifully! This lancaster county food is all about simplicity and heart.

So don't overthink it. Enjoy the process. Most importantly, enjoy the deliciousness. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Amish country casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday gets the job done without the Sunday stress.

What's the best way to store leftover Amish country casserole?

Store any leftover Amish country casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or re-bake the entire casserole covered with foil until heated through. It's almost as good the second time around, a bit like a good cup of tea.

I'm watching my weight - is there a lighter version of this Amish country casserole I can make?

Yes, you can definitely lighten it up! Use reduced fat cheese and milk, and consider swapping out some of the ham for extra vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms. Also, using whole wheat egg noodles will add fiber, making it more filling with fewer calories a bit like swapping to a skinny latte!

What can I substitute for ham in this Amish country casserole recipe?

If you don't have ham on hand, cooked chicken or turkey work wonderfully as a substitute. You could even go vegetarian and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini. It's your casserole, so feel free to get creative a bit like choosing your fillings for a full English breakfast!

My cheese sauce is lumpy! How do I fix it when making this Amish country casserole?

Lumpy cheese sauce is a common problem! The key is to whisk the flour and butter together thoroughly before adding the milk, and then whisk constantly while the sauce thickens. If lumps do form, try using an immersion blender to smooth it out or strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.

It's all part of the learning curve, don't let it get you down, onwards and upwards!

Can I add other vegetables to my amish country casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your amish country casserole. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, peas, or corn are all excellent additions.

Consider roasting heartier vegetables like carrots or butternut squash beforehand to ensure they cook through evenly in the casserole.