Ham Cheddar Spaghetti Bake

Ham Tetrazzini fits weeknight dinners when you crave comfort food that comes together fast. It turns leftover ham and staple pantry items into a creamy pasta anyone will love. The cheese sauce is rich and flavorful without being heavy. This was always my mom’s go-to after holiday ham and now I make it for my family on chilly nights when we want something cozy in record time.

I started making this after buying too much ham for Easter one year. It became such a hit my family requests it any time there’s leftover ham in the fridge.

Ingredients

• Organic onion diced: gives a mellow sweet base and adds aromatic depth I look for onions with unblemished skins and a fresh scent
• Organic garlic minced: lifts the flavors and brings out the savory taste Choose firm heavy cloves for best results
• Olive oil: helps soften the onion and garlic while adding subtle richness Pick extra virgin for delicate fruitiness
• Organic butter: deepens the sauce and balances the olive oil Look for pale yellow color for highest quality
• Flour: thickens the sauce into a luscious coating All purpose flour works great and is a pantry staple
• Organic chicken broth: forms the savory backbone Opt for low sodium and check for a clear golden color
• Organic half and half or milk and heavy cream combined: creates the perfect creamy body Avoid ultra pasteurized for best flavor
• Organic cheddar cheese shredded: melts into the sauce for cheesy goodness Always shred fresh from a block for better melt and taste
• Thin spaghetti cooked: provides that classic pasta texture Use high quality Italian brands if possible
• Ham steak cubed: turns this into a hearty meal Go for a nicely marbled piece for juicy flavor
• Organic frozen peas: add a touch of sweetness and color I use petite peas because they are tender

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics:

Begin by heating olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat Give it a minute for the butter to fully melt Add your diced onion and cook it slowly for two to three minutes You want the onions to turn soft and translucent but not brown Now stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for half a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen This quick step is key for a deep flavor base

Build the roux:

Evenly sprinkle the flour over your sautéed onions and garlic Stir with a wooden spoon to coat the vegetables in flour Let it cook for just a minute This ensures the flour’s raw taste cooks off and prepares it as a thickener Next begin pouring in the chicken broth a little at a time while whisking constantly Smooth out any lumps as you go

Make the cheese sauce:

Now add your half and half Pour it in slowly and keep stirring Gently tip in the shredded cheddar cheese and watch as it melts Stir frequently so the sauce becomes silky smooth If you see any thick patches just keep stirring and they will melt out

Combine the pasta and extras:

Once your sauce looks thick and creamy toss in your cubed ham frozen peas and cooked spaghetti If the mixture feels tight or too thick trickle in some milk one tablespoon at a time Keep folding and tossing until the whole dish is creamy and every noodle is coated

Serve and enjoy:

Taste for seasoning and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed Serve it hot in big bowls and watch it disappear before you know it

I absolutely love the gentle sweetness the peas add against the rich sauce Usually my kids would pick out peas from any other dish but in this Tetrazzini they always ask for extra. There is something about the creamy sauce tying everything together that makes even picky eaters cheer.

Storage Tips

Ham Tetrazzini tastes even better the next day after flavors meld Let it cool then store tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days If you plan to freeze divide into portions and use airtight containers Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the ham for roasted chicken or even turkey if you have those leftovers Instead of cheddar try a Monterey Jack for milder flavor or add a handful of parmesan for extra umami Gluten free pasta works just as well with a slight change in texture If you need dairy free use unsweetened oat milk and vegan cheese

Serving Suggestions

This Tetrazzini is luxurious enough to serve for guests Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness For a homey feel I sometimes top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs then broil for a golden crust on top You can also spoon it into small ramekins for individual servings

Cultural and Historical Context

Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta dish named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini The recipe dates back to the early twentieth century in San Francisco and was a popular way to use turkey after big holiday feasts Over time cooks adapted it with ham chicken and whatever vegetables were on hand making it a beloved leftover makeover

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap peas for cooked asparagus tips in spring Try adding sautéed mushrooms for a fall twist Use chopped fresh spinach during winter for extra greens

Success Stories

My aunt made this Ham Tetrazzini for a baby shower once and it was the first dish wiped clean at the buffet Whenever family stays over during the holidays I double the recipe because everyone goes back for seconds Friends who tried the recipe started making their own versions with different veggies and cheeses and always send me pictures of empty plates

Freezer Meal Conversion

To meal prep this for the freezer assemble everything but skip baking Let the mixture cool completely then store in foil pans or airtight containers Label with a date It keeps well for up to two months Bake from frozen at three fifty degrees F for about fifty minutes adding a splash of milk halfway if it looks dry

This Ham Tetrazzini is quick, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try next time you have leftover ham and need a comforting, hearty meal!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?

Thick-cut ham steak, diced into cubes, provides a savory bite and rich flavor. Leftover baked ham can also be used.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack offer a mild melt, while Swiss or Gruyère bring a nuttier profile.

→ Is it possible to use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely. Rotini, penne, or linguine can all be used if thin spaghetti is unavailable.

→ How can I make the sauce lighter?

Replace half-and-half with milk, or use a combination of low-fat milk and a touch of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

→ Are there other vegetables I can add?

Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach wilted into the sauce work well with the flavor combination.