Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that brings everything together in one pan, Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin is a perfect choice. It combines salty ham, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, then finishes with a crispy, golden topping that makes every spoonful rich and satisfying.

Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin – Easy and Affordable

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• Author: clare recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups (or slightly more) broccoli flowerets (about one pound after trimming)
• 1/2 tsp. salt for broccoli cooking water
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or use plain Greek yogurt if you prefer)
• 2 T + 2 T coarsely grated Parmesan
• 1 cup + 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2 cups diced ham (I used a whole ham steak from Costco, which was slightly more than 2 cups)
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Spray a 8″ x 12″ (or similar size) casserole dish with non-stick spray.

2. Take cream cheese out of the fridge and put into a bowl or measuring cup that’s big enough to hold all the sauce ingredients.

3. Let cream cheese soften on the counter while you prep other ingredients. You can partly soften cream cheese in the microwave by microwaving 20 seconds at a time and stirring until it’s as soft as desired.

4. Cut up enough broccoli to make 6 cups broccoli flowerets, or slightly more.

5. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, add broccoli, turn down to a low boil, and cook exactly 3 minutes.

6. After 3 minutes, immediately drain broccoli into a colander placed in the sink and let it drain well.

7. When the cream cheese is softened, mix in sour cream, 2 T coarsely grated Parmesan, 1 cup sharp cheddar, and sliced green onion.

8. When broccoli is well drained, put it into a mixing bowl. (Pat the broccoli dry with paper towels if it seems very wet.)

9. Gently stir the sauce mixture into the broccoli, making sure the broccoli pieces are all coated with sauce.

10. Add ham cubes to the bowl and gently combine with the broccoli and sauce.

11. Place broccoli/cheese/ham mixture into a 8″ x 12″ casserole dish and season with fresh-ground black pepper to taste.

12. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup sharp cheddar and 2 T coarsely grated Parmesan over the top of the casserole.

13. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbling hot.

Moreover, this recipe fits beautifully into easy baked casserole ideas. It’s simple to assemble, bakes in one dish, and works great for family dinners or meal prep. So, whether you’re using leftover ham or planning a cozy dinner, this dish is both practical and delicious.

What Is Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin?

This casserole is a baked dish where chopped ham and broccoli are mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, then topped with cheese or breadcrumbs and baked until golden.

The term “au gratin” refers to the crispy, browned topping that forms during baking, usually made with cheese, butter, or breadcrumbs.

Because of this combination of creamy filling and crunchy top layer, it’s often described as a cheesy ham and broccoli bake or comfort food casserole recipe. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cold days or family-style meals.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

There’s a reason easy casserole recipes like this are so popular. First, they use simple ingredients and come together quickly.

Second, it’s a great way to use leftover ham while adding vegetables in a tasty way.

In addition, the creamy cheese sauce and baked topping create a satisfying texture contrast.

Because of that, it has become a favorite for family dinner casseroles and comfort food oven meals.

Key Benefits of This Dish

One major benefit is convenience—it’s a complete meal baked in one dish.

Another advantage is balance, since it includes protein from ham and nutrients from broccoli.

It’s also highly filling and great for leftovers or meal prep.

For more insight into balanced eating habits, you can explore this guide on .

Overall, this ham and broccoli casserole recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a crispy baked finish.

Ingredients for Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin

The strength of Ham and Broccoli Casserole Au Gratin comes from simple, familiar ingredients that combine into a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish. Each component adds either richness, texture, or balance.

Core Ingredients

First, ham is the main protein in this casserole recipe. It adds salty, savory flavor and works especially well when using leftovers from baked or smoked ham.

Next, broccoli provides freshness, color, and a slight bite that balances the richness of the sauce. Lightly steaming or blanching it before baking helps keep it tender but not mushy.

Cheese is essential for this au gratin casserole. Cheddar is commonly used for its sharp flavor, while mozzarella or Gruyère can add meltiness and depth.

A creamy base is made using milk or cream, often thickened with butter and flour to create a smooth cheese sauce.

Finally, breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top help create the signature golden, crispy gratin layer.

Optional Add-ins & Flavor Boosters

Now, if you want to upgrade your cheesy ham casserole recipe, there are several easy additions. For example, garlic or onion powder can deepen the savory flavor of the sauce.

Meanwhile, mustard (especially Dijon) adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese.

You can also include cooked pasta or potatoes to make the dish even heartier.

A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce can add a classic, subtle warmth often used in baked cheese dishes.

Because of these additions, your broccoli ham bake can easily be customized for richer or more complex flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ham, cooked chicken or turkey can work well.

Broccoli can be replaced with cauliflower or a mix of vegetables.

Plant-based milk and cheese alternatives can also be used for a lighter version.

Thanks to this flexibility, easy au gratin casserole recipes like this can adapt to different diets while still keeping their creamy, baked comfort-food character.