Ham & Swiss Baked Penne
As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Ingredients
- 2-1/3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- TOPPING:
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Reviews
Really good... great way to use up leftover ham. I added some panko crumbs to the topping for extra crunchiness. Definitely add salt and pepper.
Excellent casserole! I slowly smoked a butt portion ham over cherry wood and figured that it might give the recipe a nice smokey flavor. Made this dish following every step, just as directed. The only variation was the freshly smoked ham, and it was phenomenal! My hat's off to the Chef/Home Cook that first submitted this recipe. I only wish I could claim it as my own. I'm a casserole lovin' guy and this very easily could be my new favorite, for both the wonderful flavor of the hot ham and cheese and the simplicity of preparation. This is permanently in my recipe box. Eddie T. Hudson, NC
I made this recipe on a whim to use up some cubed ham I had on hand. I needed to substitute a few ingredients based on what I had in the pantry/fridge but it turned out very well! I used a box of Rotini pasta pronto, substituted the cheeses for an italian blend and a mexican (no spices) blend of shredded cheeses, and crushed ritz crackers instead of bread crumbs because that's all I had. It was really good! I'd make this again.
Would have given it 5 stars if there was a reference to seasoning. Had I not tasted it before baking it it would have been very flat tasting even with the ham. Added black pepper and garlic seasoning before I baked it - saved the recipe!
Very tasty casserole, will definitely make this again. Only change I made was to use mozarella cheese in place of the parmesan because I started making this before I realized I was out of parmesan and I added a pack of frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Mozarella worked well
Made as directed. Very easy meal to put together. We (my husband and I) were able to finish putting away groceries and make dinner at the same time. It worked out well with him stirring the cream/milk mixture while I grated the cheese and cut the ham. I had the opportunity to explain to him why he didn't want to turn up the heat to get it to "boil faster". Glad he was there to help so we could eat sooner. Great meal for cooler weather.
The only changes I made were using Ziti instead of penne because it’s what I had on hand; a little freshly grated nutmeg to sauce before adding cheese; and stirring in a little butter and Parm. to naked pasta before combining with sauce just because that’s what a always do. Delicious, great flavor and also a great make ahead dish! A definite keeper!
Great casserole! It is easy to prepare and that buttery crumb topping is perfect on top! Great family meal!
This casserole has become one of my family's favorite recipes ever since I cut it out of the TOH magazine several years ago. It is a quick meal to make which is great for busy weeknights. The casserole is very tasty and the seasoned bread crumb topping adds a wonderful flavor. Many times when I make casseroles I will leave off the bread crumb topping because I find it makes the casserole seem dry, but I am so glad that I followed the recipe and added the topping because it really adds a nice flavor without being dry. I definitely recommend this one.