Ham Tetrazzini: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole
A creamy, cheesy dinner twist that turns leftovers into a cozy family favorite.
Baked casseroles are classic comfort food, and ham tetrazzini stands out as a family-favorite way to put leftover ham to delicious use. Featuring creamy cheese sauce, spaghetti, sweet green peas, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, using up holiday leftovers, or seeking a cozy weeknight dinner, ham tetrazzini delivers flavor, texture, and nostalgia in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Ham Tetrazzini
- Perfect for Leftovers: Uses up leftover ham, making it ideal around Easter or after big family feasts.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance for busy schedules.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with kid-friendly pasta and peas.
- Freezer-Ready: Stores easily and reheats beautifully for future meals.
What Is Ham Tetrazzini?
Ham tetrazzini is a baked pasta casserole named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. It combines diced ham, spaghetti, green peas, mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, all crowned with a crisp, buttery parmesan breadcrumb topping. While tetrazzini is often made with turkey or chicken, its ham version delivers a salty, savory punch that’s irresistible in combination with cheese and pasta. The dish is beloved for its make-ahead convenience and adaptability.
Ham Tetrazzini vs. à la King
| Feature | Tetrazzini | à la King |
|---|---|---|
| Main protein | Ham, turkey, or chicken | Chicken or turkey |
| Sauce | Creamy, cheese-laden sauce | Creamy, often wine-based, without cheese |
| Additions | Pasta (spaghetti), peas, mushrooms | Peas, mushrooms, bell peppers (often), over rice/toast |
| Topping | Baked with buttered breadcrumbs & cheese | No baked topping |
Key Ingredients in Ham Tetrazzini
- Spaghetti: The traditional pasta that holds sauce well. Cook 2 minutes under package instructions for best texture after baking.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham brings smoky, salty flavor. Use leftovers for best results.
- Green Peas: Give sweetness and bright color.
- Mushrooms: Add depth and earthiness. Sauté for best flavor.
- Cheeses: Cheddar and parmesan make for a rich, gooey filling and crunchy topping. Cream cheese is used for sauce creaminess.
- Creaminess: Cream cheese and a touch of heavy cream (optional) build the luscious sauce.
- Bread Crumbs: Tossed with melted butter and parmesan, they turn crisp and golden in the oven.
- Broth and Wine: Chicken broth keeps it moist. White wine adds complexity, but can be omitted or swapped for extra broth.
How to Make Ham Tetrazzini
- Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (177°C). Grease a large 3-quart baking dish or 13-by-9-inch pan.
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water, stopping 2 minutes before package time. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water, then drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Sauté Ham: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté diced ham just until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pot. Add sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Cook until mushrooms release moisture and begin to turn golden, 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in white wine, if using, and simmer until reduced by half, 3-5 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Sprinkle in all-purpose flour. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to brown. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and add cream cheese in chunks, whisking until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Fillings: Stir in sautéed ham, green peas, shredded cheddar, and ¾ cup grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in Pasta: Add spaghetti and gently toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce (about ½ cup total), until creamy and well combined.
- Prepare Topping: Microwave remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted. Mix with breadcrumbs and the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the top with about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Rest 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Expert Tips for the Creamiest Tetrazzini
- Use Undercooked Pasta: The noodles will cook further as they bake, resulting in a perfect texture.
- Save Pasta Water: It’s starchy and helps create a silky sauce!
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking mushrooms until golden intensifies flavor, while sautéing the ham brings out its aroma.
- Cheese Choice: Cheddar adds sharpness; try Swiss or mozzarella for a mild result.
- Breadcrumb Crunch: The buttery topping prevents drying and adds irresistible crunch to every bite.
Ham Tetrazzini Variations
- Different Meats: Swap ham with cooked turkey, chicken, or a mix for variety.
- Add Veggies: Blend in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sliced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Pack in More Flavor: Use smoked cheese or toss in roasted garlic. Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce wakes up the flavors.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
- Make Ahead: Assemble casserole (without breadcrumbs) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready, let dish stand at room temperature while oven preheats. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, drizzle pasta water over, and bake about 10 minutes longer than usual.
- Freeze Ahead: Assemble with topping, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 more minutes.
- Leftovers: Store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls for a hearty meal.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for extra vegetables.
Nutritional Snapshot (per generous serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sodium | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. 580 | 60g | 30g | 25g | ~1450mg | 330mg |
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary by ingredient choices.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I substitute for ham in tetrazzini?
Cooked turkey, chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even roasted vegetables will work well as a substitute for ham. Try smoked turkey or chicken sausage for extra depth.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Fettuccine, linguine, or rotini can be used in place of spaghetti. Adjust boiling time to ensure pasta is not overcooked before baking.
Does the wine cook out of the sauce?
Yes, the wine is simmered until reduced by half, cooking off most of the alcohol but leaving a subtle depth. You may substitute with extra chicken broth if desired.
How do I reheat leftovers so they stay creamy?
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until hot throughout, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed. This helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents drying out.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and checking all labels for hidden gluten in broth and cheese.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham
- Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Deviled Ham
- Ham Pot Pie
- Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole
- Ham and Asparagus Bake
Final Thoughts: Why Ham Tetrazzini Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This Ham Tetrazzini recipe brings together the creaminess of pasta, the savoriness of ham, and the comfort of a golden, cheesy baked topping. It’s as practical as it is delicious—perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply turning leftovers into a meal everyone will love. Make it once, and this versatile casserole is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
References
- https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/ham-tetrazzini/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46675317/ham-tetrazzini-recipe/
- https://www.thegraciouswife.com/ham-tetrazzini/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63496698/chicken-tetrazzini-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11691/turkey-tetrazzini/
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