Ham Apple Cheddar Casserole

Indulge in the irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors with this Ham Apple Cheddar Casserole! This hearty, oven-baked dish combines tender chunks of diced ham, crisp slices of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a velvety cheese sauce featuring a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and optional breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this unique recipe beautifully balances sweet and savory notes while offering a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Don't forget the fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor that takes this casserole from comforting to unforgettable!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta shells, cooked and drained
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni or small pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth sauce.

Step 5

Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Save the remaining cheese for topping.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, sliced apples, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese for an added crunchy topping.

Step 9

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2211.5 grams (2211.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3421

Total Fat 159.90g	205%
Saturated Fat 89.40g	447%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 667mg	222%
Sodium 9237mg	402%
Total Carbohydrate 290.40g	106%
Dietary Fiber 20.70g	74%
Total Sugars 76.80g
Protein 213.30g	427%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 2339mg	180%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 3005mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.7%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 33.6%