Savory Ham and Crunchy Crouton Bake
Delight in this hearty Savory Ham and Crunchy Crouton Bake, a perfect casserole for any gathering. This comforting dish combines creamy layers of savory white sauce with tender ham, flavorful sautéed mushrooms, and rich hard-boiled eggs, all topped with golden, crispy croutons for that perfect crunch. It’s an ideal meal for brunch or dinner and a wonderful way to make the most of leftover ham. Serve it warm and watch everyone come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted for the white sauce; and 1/4 cup, melted for sautéing croutons)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for thickening the white sauce)
milk
2 cups (whole milk for the white sauce)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
croutons
1 cup (for layering and topping)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (to flavor the croutons)
hard-boiled eggs
6 (quartered)
cooked ham
2 cups (cubed)
sliced mushrooms
8 ounces (sautéed until golden)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, cooking for 1 minute until golden.
3
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a small pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and add 1 cup of croutons. Cook until they are golden brown, stirring frequently, then reserve a few for topping later.
5
In the prepared baking dish, create alternating layers: start with a layer of 2 cups of cubed cooked ham, followed by a layer of 6 quartered hard-boiled eggs, then 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms, and top with half of the croutons.
6
Pour the white sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Then add another layer of the remaining ham, eggs, mushrooms, and finish by topping with the reserved croutons.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Savory Ham and Crunchy Crouton Bake!
Nutrition Information
16.67g
Fat
18g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Ham and Crunchy Crouton Bake.
What are the primary ingredients in this bake?
The primary ingredients include cooked ham, hard-boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, croutons, and a homemade white sauce.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of cooked ham, cubed.
How many hard-boiled eggs are used?
The recipe calls for 6 quartered hard-boiled eggs.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
This recipe provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What type of sauce is used in the layers?
A creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk is used to layer the ingredients.
How much milk is needed for the white sauce?
The white sauce requires 2 cups of whole milk.
How do you prepare the mushrooms?
You should use 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed until they are golden.
What seasoning is used for the croutons?
The croutons are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter for the sauce and 1/4 cup of butter for the croutons.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 16.67 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are present?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for using leftovers?
Yes, it is a wonderful way to make the most of leftover ham.
What type of croutons should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of croutons to be used for layering and topping.
How long does the white sauce take to thicken?
The white sauce takes about 5 to 7 minutes to thicken while whisking.
Should the baking dish be prepared beforehand?
Yes, you should lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
How is the dish layered?
It is layered with alternating ham, eggs, mushrooms, and croutons, then covered in sauce and repeated.
Can this dish be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is considered an ideal meal for both brunch and dinner.
What is the role of the flour in the recipe?
The 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent for the white sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including seasonings.
What should you do after removing the bake from the oven?
You should allow it to cool slightly before serving.
How are the croutons cooked before being added?
They are sautéed in melted butter and Italian seasoning until golden brown.
How do you prevent lumps in the white sauce?
You should slowly pour in the milk while constantly whisking.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It is described as a savory and comforting dish with a crunchy topping.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the white sauce to taste.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for family meals.