Amish Country Casserole

Amish Country Casserole: Simple Comfort Food at Its Best

Ever crave something that just screams "home"? You know, that warm, fuzzy feeling in your tummy? Well, this amish country casserole is exactly that! It’s like a hug in a dish.

Honestly, I made this last week when I was feeling a bit under the weather, and it was exactly what I needed.

What's the Deal with This Casserole?

This comfort food casserole hails from the Pennsylvania Dutch country. It's a simple dish, rooted in wholesome ingredients and family tradition.

It's the kind of baked noodle casserole your grandma probably made. It takes about 50 minutes, start to finish. This recipe makes six generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.

More Than Just a Meal

Besides being utterly delicious, this ham and noodle casserole is packed with protein from the ham and calcium from the cheese.

It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Plus, it's a fantastic easy casserole recipe for potlucks or bringing to a friend in need.

Seriously, who wouldn't love a cheese sauce casserole ?

Ready to Get Cooking?

This particular Amish casserole recipe really shines thanks to that creamy cheese sauce. I'm talking next level. Oh my gosh.

Also, the buttery crumb topping casserole gives it that amazing crunch. Let's dive into those ingredients, shall we? We need egg noodles, ham, butter, flour, milk, cheese of course ( cheddar cheese casserole ), and the usual suspects: salt, pepper, and nutmeg! This simple dinner casserole is a winner.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Amish Country Casserole

So, you wanna make an Amish country casserole ? This comfort food casserole is a winner. Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up. Let's dive into what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's the lowdown on what goes into this ham and noodle casserole . This easy casserole recipe it's all about getting the basics right.

• Egg noodles: 450g (1 lb) . Seriously, don't overcook them!
• Cooked ham, diced: 450g (1 lb) . Quality ham makes a huge difference, you know?
• Unsalted butter: 50g (1/4 cup) . Adds richness, obviously.
• All-purpose flour: 50g (1/4 cup) . For thickening that gorgeous cheese sauce casserole .
• Milk: 720 ml (3 cups) . Whole milk is best for that creamy texture.
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp . It's a secret flavor weapon.
• Shredded cheddar cheese : 340g (12 oz) , divided. Save some for topping!

This recipe gives you the warm fuzzies, just like a Pennsylvania Dutch casserole should.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups

Don't underestimate the power of seasoning!

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg: The base of almost every baked noodle casserole .
• Consider a pinch of cayenne for a little kick, if you're feeling adventurous.
• Nutmeg is so awesome! It really enhances that rich, comforting flavor.

Feel free to experiment. This simple dinner casserole is totally adaptable.

Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple

You don't need fancy gear for this.

• 9x13 inch baking dish . Standard size, nothing crazy.
• Large saucepan. For making that glorious cheese sauce.
• Whisk. Essential for a smooth sauce.
• Mixing bowl. For combining everything.

Honestly, the most important "equipment" is your ensoiasm. Making a cheddar cheese casserole should be fun, not stressful! And a crumb topping casserole is a great way to bring something special to dinner.

Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Amish Country Casserole Bliss

Alright, so you're craving that comfort food casserole hug, right? We're diving headfirst into making an amish country casserole . It's way easier than you think.

My grandma used to whip this up every Sunday, and honestly, it's pure magic. Forget fancy stuff. This easy casserole recipe is all about simple ingredients and layers of flavor.

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place." Dice your 450g (1 lb) of ham , shred your 340g (12 oz) cheddar cheese (trust me, buy a block and shred it yourself, it melts better), and get those 450g (1 lb) egg noodles cooking.

Honestly, this ham and noodle casserole comes together fast if you're organized. Before you get started preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Safety Reminder: Always use oven mitts! I once burned myself something fierce.

step-by-step: Casserole Construction Zone

Here's the lowdown on how to bake this bad boy:

1. Cook those egg noodles. Drain 'em good!
2. Melt 50g (1/4 cup) of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 50g (1/4 cup) of flour to make a roux (it's just fancy talk for thickening). Cook for like, a minute.
3. Slowly whisk in 720 ml (3 cups) of milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until it gets nice and thick. Then stir in 1 tsp salt , 1/2 tsp black pepper , 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg and most of your cheddar cheese. Save some 85g (3oz) for topping.
4. Mix the noodles, ham, and cheese sauce casserole together in a bowl.
5. Pour it all into a 9x13 inch baking dish . Make a crumble topping with 60g (1/2 cup) of flour , 50g (1/4 cup) of cold butter and 50g (1/4 cup) of panko breadcrumbs
6. Top with cheese and crumbs.
7. Bake for 30 minutes , or until it's all golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Leveling Up Your Casserole Game

Want that extra oomph ? First off: don't overcook the noodles. They should be al dente . Also, if you want a killer crumb topping casserole , pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two.

Watch it like a hawk, though, or it'll burn. For make-ahead options , assemble the whole thing, but don't bake it.

Wrap it up tight and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, bake as directed, adding maybe 10 minutes to the baking time.

Boom! This baked noodle casserole is going to be such a hit, you'll be asked to make it every darn time.

This Pennsylvania Dutch casserole is my favorite!

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Amish country casserole adventure. Awesome! Let's chat about some little things that'll make your life easier and your casserole even tastier.

This comfort food casserole isn't rocket science, but a few tweaks can really elevate it.

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Listen, we eat with our eyes first, you know? For plating, think rustic charm. A simple scoop in a bowl works.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color. Boom! Serve this simple dinner casserole alongside a crisp green salad. Maybe some steamed green beans? It's the perfect combo.

Honestly, this cheese sauce casserole is so good on its own. You could pair it with a simple salad. A nice glass of iced tea is always a winner.

It cuts through the richness perfectly.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ham and noodle casserole keeps really well. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah?

Freezing is also an option. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It'll be good for about two months.

When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Variations

Wanna mix things up? I get it. For a vegetarian twist, swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Honestly, it's delicious.

If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and flour. You know, that works like a charm.

Seasonal ingredient swaps? In the fall, try adding some butternut squash or pumpkin puree to the cheese sauce. Gives it a lovely warmth.

This Pennsylvania Dutch casserole can be adapted. The spirit of baked noodle casserole lives on!

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real. This is cheddar cheese casserole . It is not exactly a health food. It’s about 550 calories per serving.

It has about 30 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat. But hey, it's all about balance, right?

Egg noodles provide carbs for energy. Cheddar cheese gives you calcium. Ham adds protein. Everything in moderation. If you’re worried, go for whole wheat noodles or low-fat cheese.

So there you have it, everything you need to make this recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! This easy casserole recipe is all about enjoying the process.

You've got this, and I promise, the crumb topping casserole goodness is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this recipe specifically "Amish Country Casserole"? Is it just a regular ham and noodle casserole?

That's a fair question! While it shares similarities with other ham and noodle casseroles, the "Amish Country" moniker often refers to its simplicity and focus on wholesome, readily available ingredients.

This recipe emphasizes comfort food staples like egg noodles, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce without fancy frills think less Gordon Ramsay, more Grandma's kitchen!

Can I make this Amish country casserole ahead of time? I'm trying to channel my inner domestic goddess, but need to save time on weeknights!

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (up to the baking step) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and make sure it's heated through. Think of it as your secret weapon against the weeknight dinner rush.

I'm not a huge fan of ham. Can I substitute anything else in this Amish country casserole recipe?

No worries, variety is the spice of life! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even browned ground beef would work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite veggies. Just ensure any meat is pre-cooked before adding it to the casserole.

How do I store leftovers, and how long will this Amish country casserole last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just think of it as a delightful lunch the next day or two!

My crumb topping always ends up soggy. Any tips for getting a crispy topping on this Amish country casserole?

Soggy crumb topping is a common casserole woe! Make sure your butter is cold when you cut it into the flour, and don't overmix. Adding panko breadcrumbs helps with extra crispiness. For the last few minutes of baking, you can also broil the casserole, watching it like a hawk to prevent burning.

Is there a healthier way to make this Amish country casserole? It sounds delicious, but a bit rich for my liking!

You bet! You can lighten it up by using whole wheat egg noodles, low-fat milk and cheese, and reducing the amount of butter in the crumb topping. Adding more vegetables, like chopped broccoli or spinach, is another great way to boost the nutritional value. Every little bit helps, and it can still be a comforting dish.