Autumn Recipes: H is for Ham Food Families.com

Autumn Recipes: H is for Ham

Ham and bananas… they are among my preschooler’s favorite foods, regardless of the season. However, I would have never dreamed of pairing the two in a casserole. That is, until I saw Food Network chef Paula Deen do so with her usual aplomb on TV a few months ago. I swear that woman can make dirt look good enough to eat.

Deen’s Cheesy Ham and Banana Casserole is a hit in my home (mainly due to the crushed potato chips that dot it) and is the prefect dish to pass at a fall potluck. It also makes for a wonderfully warm addition to a family dinner on a chilly autumn night. However, if the thought of eating bananas in a casserole makes your stomach turn I have also included the recipe for a traditional Ham and Potato Casserole that is just as easy to prepare.

CHEESY HAM AND BANANA CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

12 slices white bread

8 large slices ham

4 bananas sliced on the bias

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups crushed potato chips

6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

1 cup cream

1 cup milk

4 large eggs

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and pepper

Butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a 9×13 glass baking dish. Butter both sides of the bread and layer 6 of them into the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them as necessary but keep them even.

Layer the slices of ham on top of the bread and then the bananas, 6 more slices of bread, then the cheese, potato chips and bacon.

In a separate bowl beat together the eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over the casserole.

Bake for 45 minutes until brown and bubbly.

Cut into squares and serve.

CLASSIC HAM AND POTATO CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

3 cups ham, cut into 1/4 inch cubes

4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes (about 6 cups)

1 head fresh broccoli florets

5 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/4 cup green onion tops