HAM BROCCOLI & CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE

Loaded with chopped ham, broccoli florets, and cauliflower all blanketed in a creamy cheesy white sauce, this casserole delivers up great flavor.  The slight smokiness of the ham pairs wonderfully with the vegetables and cheesy sauce.

A quick topping of simple homemade buttered breadcrumbs adds a nice touch of texture to the top that then gets carried into every bite.

And if you don't feel like gobbling up those ham leftovers right away?  It's super easy to save them for later.

Got ham leftovers?  Loaded with chopped ham and veggies in a cheesy white sauce, Ham Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole is certainly a fabulous recipe for enjoying leftover ham!

At Thanksgiving dinner, I couldn't care less about the turkey.  Oh, I'm so much more about the yummy sides than I am about the Thanksgiving bird.  And quite often, I don't even put a slice of turkey on my plate.

INGREDIENTS:
Filling:

• 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ c. chopped fully cooked ham
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 c. chopped onion
• 2 T. unsalted butter
• 1 (14 oz. OR 16 oz.) package frozen broccoli florets
• 1 (14 oz. OR 16 oz.) package frozen cauliflower
• 2 T. all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ c. milk

Crumb topping:

• 1 slice bread, chopped fine or pulsed in a food processor into crumbs
• 1 T. unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook broccoli and cauliflower according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and saute until limp, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add flour to skillet and stir to coat the onions. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan.
4. Stir in broccoli, cauliflower, and ham. Spoon into a greased 9x9” or 11x7” pan.
5. Toss together bread crumbs and the 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
6. Bake at 375℉ for 25 – 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.