Autumn Recipes: H is for Ham

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Sep 2008 09:37 AM

Ham and bananas... they are among my preschooler's favorite foods, regardless of the season. However, I would have never dreamed of pairing the two in a casserole. That is, until I saw Food Network chef Paula Deen do so with her usual aplomb on TV a few months ago. I swear that woman can make dirt look good enough to eat.

Deen's Cheesy Ham and Banana Casserole is a hit in my home (mainly due to the crushed potato chips that dot it) and is the prefect dish to pass at a fall potluck. It also makes for a wonderfully warm addition to a family dinner on a chilly autumn night. However, if the thought of eating bananas in a casserole makes your stomach turn I have also included the recipe for a traditional Ham and Potato Casserole that is just as easy to prepare.

CHEESY HAM AND BANANA CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

12 slices white bread

8 large slices ham

4 bananas sliced on the bias

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups crushed potato chips

6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

1 cup cream

1 cup milk

4 large eggs

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and pepper

Butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a 9x13 glass baking dish. Butter both sides of the bread and layer 6 of them into the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them as necessary but keep them even.

Layer the slices of ham on top of the bread and then the bananas, 6 more slices of bread, then the cheese, potato chips and bacon.

In a separate bowl beat together the eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over the casserole.

Bake for 45 minutes until brown and bubbly.

Cut into squares and serve.

CLASSIC HAM AND POTATO CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

3 cups ham, cut into 1/4 inch cubes

4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes (about 6 cups)

1 head fresh broccoli florets

5 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/4 cup green onion tops

1/4 cup water

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch-baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spoon into prepared baking dish.

Cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place in oven.

Remove foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

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Autumn Recipes: F is for Fresh Fruit

Autumn Recipes: E is for Easy Taco Soup

Autumn Recipes: D is for Donuts

Autumn Recipes: C is for Comfort Food

Autumn Recipes: B is for Butternut Squash

Autumn Recipes: A is for Apple

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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