Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff

Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff Recipe - Delicious & Easy to Make!

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of smoked ham, cheddar cheese, and broccoli in a fluffy and satisfying casserole. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff are not well-documented, but it is likely that this dish was created as a way to use up leftover ham and cheese in a creative and tasty way. The combination of ingredients in this recipe has become a classic favorite for many households.

Ingredients

5 eggs
1 cup of milk
0.5 cup of sour cream
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 package of stuffing mix
9 oz (255 g) package of smoked ham, chopped
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and sour cream until well blended.
Add the broccoli, stuffing mix, ham, and 0.5 cup of cheese. Mix lightly.
Pour the mixture into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish and loosely cover with foil.
Bake for 1 hour.
Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is cooked through.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or Gouda, for a unique twist.
Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the broccoli well to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the ham for cooked chicken or turkey.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after adding the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

- Use any type of bread stuffing mix.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the cheese topping right before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and cheese, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please a crowd. With its combination of savory ham, gooey cheese, and tender broccoli, this casserole is a satisfying meal that is easy to make and enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. Martha was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

On this particular day, Martha had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a handwritten recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a knowing smile and said, "This one is a real crowd-pleaser. I think you'll love it."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions for the Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff. It was a delightful combination of ham, cheese, puff pastry, and a flavorful mustard sauce. I could already imagine the delicious aroma that would fill my kitchen as it baked in the oven.

As Martha guided me through the steps, I couldn't help but marvel at her culinary expertise. She had a way of making even the most complex recipes seem simple and approachable. I watched in awe as she effortlessly rolled out the puff pastry, layered on the ham and cheese, and then folded it all together into a beautiful, golden-brown package.

The final touch was the tangy mustard sauce that Martha whipped up in no time. She generously spooned it over the top of the puff pastry before popping it into the oven to bake. The anticipation was almost unbearable as we waited for the timer to ding and the savory aroma to waft through the kitchen.

When Martha finally pulled the Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff out of the oven, it was a sight to behold. The puff pastry had risen to perfection, and the cheese was bubbling and gooey. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Martha shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family favorite that always brought people together and created lasting memories around the dinner table.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe that day in Martha's kitchen. The Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff quickly became a staple in my own repertoire, and I shared it with friends and family whenever I had the chance. It never failed to impress and delight, and I always took pride in knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the years.

As I think back on that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories that it has created. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share that passion with others through dishes like the Ham 'n' Cheese Puff 'n' Stuff.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal to share with your loved ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy cooking!