Hearty Ham and Potato Bake
This Hearty Ham and Potato Bake reimagines a classic casserole with a nutritious twist. With unpeeled red potatoes enriched with vitamins and minerals, tender bell peppers for added crunch, and creamy reduced-fat cheese blending beautifully with cubed ham, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers flavor and heartiness without excessive calories. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe that leaves you satisfied and guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
4 cups (unpeeled and cubed)
olive oil
1 teaspoon
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
skim milk
1 1/4 cups
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup (preferably Kraft Free)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup
cubed cooked ham
2 cups
Instructions
1
Start by placing the unpeeled, cubed red potatoes in a 2-quart saucepan. Add enough water to fully cover the potatoes and bring it to a boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook the potatoes uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the skim milk and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and bring to a boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
6
Remove from heat and stir in the fat-free mayonnaise, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7
In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cubed ham and drained potatoes. Pour the creamy milk mixture over the ham and potatoes, gently stirring to combine.
8
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Potato Bake?
Hearty Ham and Potato Bake is a nutritious version of a classic comfort food casserole made with red potatoes, bell peppers, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of unpeeled, cubed red potatoes.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
No, the red potatoes should be left unpeeled to provide extra vitamins and minerals.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the cubed potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
What vegetables are saut ed in the skillet?
You should saut one cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How long do I saut the peppers and onions?
Saut the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender.
How is the sauce base prepared?
Whisk 1 1/4 cups of skim milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour together until smooth, then pour into the skillet.
How do I thicken the milk and flour mixture?
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe recommends using skim milk to keep the dish low in fat.
Which cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe suggests using one cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
Is mayonnaise an ingredient in this bake?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fat-free mayonnaise (preferably Kraft Free) is stirred into the sauce.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of cubed cooked ham.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Should I cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is designed as a healthy, low-fat alternative to traditional casseroles by using skim milk and reduced-fat ingredients.
Can I use this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
What oil is used for cooking the vegetables?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of olive oil.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 ingredients in this Hearty Ham and Potato Bake.
What seasoning is added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is an excellent comfort food choice for family gatherings.
What makes the sauce creamy without high fat?
The combination of skim milk thickened with flour, fat-free mayonnaise, and reduced-fat cheddar creates a creamy texture.
How should I serve the bake?
Let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven and serve it warm.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include casserole, ham, potatoes, healthy, low fat, comfort food, weeknight dinner, and easy recipe.
What size saucepan is needed for boiling potatoes?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for boiling the potatoes.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugars.
Can I use a nonstick skillet for this recipe?
Yes, a 10-inch nonstick skillet is recommended for saut ing the vegetables and making the sauce.
Does the recipe require a specific brand of mayonnaise?
The recipe suggests using Kraft Free fat-free mayonnaise for the best results.