Best Amish Ham And Noodle Casserole Recipes

Amish cuisine is well-known for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. Among the many dishes that are popular in this cuisine, Amish ham and noodle casserole stands out as one of the most delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes. This dish is made using simple ingredients and it can be prepared quickly, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In this article, we will discuss the history of Amish ham and noodle casserole, its ingredients, and how to prepare it.

The History of Amish Ham and Noodle Casserole

Amish cuisine can be traced back to the early 18th century when the Amish community first settled in Pennsylvania. The Amish people were known for their simple and traditional way of life, which included farming and cooking with locally-sourced ingredients. Over time, Amish cuisine has become famous for its hearty, nourishing dishes that are perfect for feeding large families and communities. One such dish that has become a staple in Amish households is ham and noodle casserole. This dish is believed to have originated in the 19th century and was a way for Amish cooks to use up leftover ham and noodles. Today, the dish remains popular because of its delicious taste and simplicity.

Ingredients used in Amish Ham and Noodle Casserole

The ingredients used in Amish ham and noodle casserole are simple and easy to find. They include:

• 1 pound of egg noodles
• 2 cups of chopped ham
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of diced onion
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Preparing Amish Ham and Noodle Casserole

The process of preparing Amish ham and noodle casserole is simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they are softened and translucent.
4. Add the ham to the pan and sauté until it is heated through.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the ham and onion mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
6. Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to the pan, stirring well to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
8. Add the cooked egg noodles to the pan and stir until they are coated evenly with the sauce.
9. Transfer the noodle mixture to a greased casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Amish ham and noodle casserole is a delicious and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal for a busy weeknight or a comforting dish to serve at a family gathering, Amish ham and noodle casserole is sure to be a hit. So, next time you have leftover ham and noodles, give this delicious recipe a try!

Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. While this casserole is fairly simple to make, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. In this article, we'll discuss some valuable tips that you should consider when making an Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Type of Ham

When making an Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe, it's important to choose the right type of ham. Ideally, you should choose a smoked ham that has been cured in a traditional way. This will give your casserole a distinct and delicious flavor that is characteristic of Amish cooking.

Tip #1a: Avoid Spiral Cut Hams

When choosing a ham, it's best to avoid spiral-cut hams. These hams are typically pre-sliced, which can make them dry out faster. Additionally, the texture of a spiral-cut ham may not be ideal for a casserole, as it may become too mushy during cooking.

Tip #1b: Consider Using Leftover Ham

If you have leftover ham from a holiday or family gathering, this can be a great addition to an Amish ham and noodle casserole. Not only will you be using up leftovers, but the flavor of the ham will be even more pronounced in the casserole.

Tip #2: Use High-Quality Noodles

The type of noodles you use in your Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your dish. It's best to use high-quality noodles that are made from durum wheat or semolina flour.

Tip #2a: Consider Using Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are a popular choice for Amish ham and noodle casserole recipes. These noodles have a slightly richer flavor and a softer texture than regular pasta noodles.

Tip #2b: Cook Noodles Until Al Dente

To ensure that your noodles have the right texture in your casserole, it's important to cook them until they are al dente. This means that they should be cooked through, but still have a slight firmness to them. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and ruin the texture of your casserole.

Tip #3: Add Vegetables for Added Flavor and Nutrition

While an Amish ham and noodle casserole can be delicious on its own, adding some vegetables can give it extra flavor and nutrition. Some popular vegetables to add to this casserole include onions, carrots, celery, and peas.

Tip #3a: Sauté Vegetables Before Adding Them to the Casserole

To ensure that your vegetables are cooked through and add maximum flavor to the casserole, it's best to sauté them before adding them to the dish. This will also help to soften them up and make them easier to eat.

Tip #3b: Use Frozen Vegetables to Save Time

If you're short on time, using frozen vegetables can be a great shortcut when making an Amish ham and noodle casserole. Just be sure to thaw them out and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole.

Tip #4: Use a Creamy Sauce to Bind the Ingredients Together

One of the keys to making a delicious Amish ham and noodle casserole is to use a creamy sauce that binds all of the ingredients together. This will not only add flavor to the dish, but it will also keep all of the ingredients from becoming dry.

Tip #4a: Consider Using a Sour Cream-Based Sauce

A popular choice for a creamy sauce in an Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe is one that is based on sour cream. This gives the sauce a slightly tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the salty ham and savory noodles.

Tip #4b: Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess and Flavor

To make your creamy sauce even more delicious, consider adding some grated cheese to it. Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss are all great choices that will add extra creaminess and flavor to your casserole.

Tip #5: Bake the Casserole Until Golden Brown and Bubbly

Once you've assembled your Amish ham and noodle casserole, it's important to ensure that it's cooked to perfection. This means baking it until it's golden brown and bubbly.

Tip #5a: Cover Casserole with Foil During Baking

To prevent the top of your casserole from becoming too brown, it's a good idea to cover it with foil during the first part of the baking process. This will help the casserole cook through without over-browning on top.

Tip #5b: Finish with a Quick Broil to Get that Perfect Crust

Once your casserole is almost done, you can take the foil off and finish off the cooking process with a quick broil. This will give your casserole a delicious crispy crust that is perfect for scooping up with a serving spoon.

Conclusion

An Amish ham and noodle casserole recipe can be a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. By following these valuable tips, you'll be able to create a casserole that is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly cooked. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a special occasion, an Amish ham and noodle casserole is sure to impress.