Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender ham and peas, this family-friendly casserole bakes bubbly and golden. Perfect for cozy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
2cupsharp cheddar cheese, shreddeddivided; reserve 1/2 cup for topping
1cupSwiss or Gruyère cheese, shreddeddivided; reserve 1/4 cup for topping
1cupfrozen peasno need to thaw
1cupyellow onion, finely chopped
3tbspunsalted butter
2tspminced garlic
3tbspall-purpose flour
2.5cupwhole milkwarmer milk blends faster
0.75cuplow-sodium chicken broth
1tbspDijon mustard
0.5cupsour creamadds tang and richness
1tspkosher saltadjust to taste
0.75tspblack pepper
0.5tspsweet paprika
0.75cuppanko breadcrumbsfor crunchy top
1tbspolive oilfor tossing breadcrumbs
2tbspfresh parsley, choppedfor color and freshness
0.25tspcrushed red pepper flakesoptional heat
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Boil noodles in salted water until barely al dente, 6–7 minutes. Drain.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Soften onion for 4–5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in milk and broth. Simmer, stirring, until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Dijon. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, then most cheeses.
Fold in ham, peas, and cooked noodles. Spread mixture into the prepared dish.
Toss panko with olive oil, parsley, and reserved cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake until bubbling and golden, 25–30 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Variation: Swap peas for steamed broccoli florets, or use half cheddar and half smoked Gouda for deeper flavor. Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F until warm.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Savory Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.