Ham and Pea Casserole

I describe this recipe as pure comfort in a casserole dish – the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. My first encounter with a similar casserole was at my grandmother's house during a family gathering. She had this amazing ability to transform leftovers into dishes that tasted like they'd been planned all along. Her version used leftover holiday ham, and I remember being mesmerized by how something so simple could taste so incredible. The creamy sauce coating every grain of rice, the salty-sweet combination of ham and peas, and that glorious cheese topping became imprinted in my food memory. Years later, I recreated it in my own kitchen, adjusting the seasonings and perfecting the cheese-to-cream ratio. What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is – you can adjust quantities based on what you have, swap ingredients, and it still turns out delicious. It's become my signature "leftover transformation" dish, the one I make when I want to feel connected to those cherished family memories while creating new ones with my own loved ones.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons, but the top one is its incredible versatility and reliability. It never fails to deliver comfort and satisfaction, whether I'm feeding my family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to a potluck. The preparation is genuinely simple – there's no complicated technique or hard-to-find ingredients involved. I love that it uses everyday pantry and fridge staples, making it accessible whenever the craving hits. The cooking method is forgiving; even if you leave it in the oven a few extra minutes, it just gets more golden and delicious. I adore how the cream and sour cream create this luscious sauce that's neither too heavy nor too light. The texture contrast between the fluffy rice, tender ham chunks, and pop of sweet peas keeps every bite interesting. And let's talk about that cheese topping – watching it transform from shredded cheese into a bubbling, golden blanket of deliciousness never gets old. This recipe has saved countless dinners when I thought I had nothing to make, and it always receives compliments. It's proof that simple, honest cooking with quality ingredients beats complicated recipes every time.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Cooked rice: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked and cooled rice as the base for the casserole
• Diced ham: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even distribution throughout the dish
• Frozen peas: Add directly from frozen, no need to thaw beforehand
• Heavy cream: Mix with sour cream to create the rich, creamy sauce
• Sour cream: Combine with heavy cream for tanginess and body in the sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Divide into two portions - one mixed in and one for topping
• Fresh parsley: Chop finely and use as garnish before serving

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and gathering all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready makes the assembly process smooth and quick. Grease your baking dish and set it aside within easy reach.

Create the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and seasonings until completely smooth. This luxurious mixture is the heart of the dish, coating every ingredient with rich, savory flavor. Take your time to ensure there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed.

Combine All Components

Add your cooked rice, diced ham, frozen peas, and half the cheese to the creamy sauce. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each grain of rice and every piece of ham gets coated in that delicious cream. The frozen peas will thaw as you mix, releasing their sweet flavor into the mixture.

Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes uniformly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface in an even layer, making sure to cover all the way to the edges for maximum golden coverage.

Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns that gorgeous golden brown color. Your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma of melting cheese and savory ham. When the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully browned, it's ready to come out.

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Switch Things Up

I first made this casserole on a rainy Tuesday when I had leftover Easter ham taking up fridge space. My kids were cranky, I was tired, and I needed something quick that wouldn't involve a million dishes. I threw this together almost instinctively, combining ingredients I knew worked well together. When I pulled it from the oven and saw that gorgeous golden cheese bubbling away, I knew I'd created something special. The kids devoured their portions and actually asked for seconds – a rare weeknight miracle! Now it's become our go-to comfort meal whenever we have leftover ham. I've experimented with different cheese combinations (sharp cheddar mixed with Gruyere is phenomenal), added mushrooms for extra earthiness, and even made it with brown rice for a healthier twist. Each version has been delicious, but there's something about the original simple combination that keeps us coming back.

Perfect Pairings

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make excellent vegetable sides that complement the peas in the dish. For a heartier meal, serve warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully if you're having wine with dinner. For dessert, keep it light with fresh fruit or a simple lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate after such a rich main course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it's heated through completely.

→ What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?

This casserole is very versatile! You can substitute diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even cooked bacon pieces. For a vegetarian version, try using cubed firm tofu, chickpeas, or additional vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can definitely use brown rice, though it will give the casserole a nuttier flavor and slightly chewier texture. Make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture, as it won't cook further in the oven during the short baking time. You might need to add a splash more cream to compensate for brown rice's extra absorption.

→ How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

The key is not overbaking. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes of baking - as soon as the cheese is melted and golden, remove it from the oven. If you're reheating leftovers, add a tablespoon or two of cream or milk before microwaving to restore moisture. Covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking can also help retain moisture.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For already-baked casserole, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

→ What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with many cheese varieties! Gruyere adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor. Monterey Jack makes it extra creamy and mild. A sharp white cheddar gives more tang. You can also do a combination - try half cheddar and half Gruyere for an amazing flavor. Parmesan mixed with mozzarella creates a different but delicious profile. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as freshly grated melts better.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ham and Pea Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that brings everyone to the table with smiles. The creamy sauce envelops tender ham and sweet peas, while the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors. That final layer of melted cheddar creates the perfect finish. Whether you're using leftover holiday ham or deli ham from the grocery store, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.