Creamy Cheesy Ham Tetrazzini Left Over Holiday Ham Casserole
CREAMY CHEESY HAM TETRAZZINI Left Over Holiday Ham Casserole is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $12.67 total, $2.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ham (diced leftover holiday ham, fully cooked)
- 16 oz Spaghetti (thin spaghetti, whole‑grain or regular)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; divided 4 oz for sauce, 4 oz for topping)
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
- 2.5 tsp Garlic (minced; fresh or jarred)
- 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (or half‑and‑half)
- ½ Tbsp Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (to grease 9×13 baking pan)
Instructions
Boil Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a lid, bring to a rapid boil, season with ½ Tbsp salt, break the spaghetti in half and add to the water.
Time: PT10M
Drain Pasta
When the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Prep Vegetables & Ham
Dice the medium yellow onion, mince 2½ tsp garlic, and dice 2 cups cooked ham into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion & Garlic
In a large deep skillet over medium‑high heat, melt 4 Tbsp butter, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, then add the diced onion. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Time: PT4M
Make the Roux
Sprinkle ¼ cup all‑purpose flour over the softened onion‑garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1‑2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color.
Time: PT2M
Build the Sauce
Gradually whisk in ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup pasta water (or regular water), and 1 cup heavy whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then add another 1 cup chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Cheese
Reduce heat to low and whisk in 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar until almost melted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, taste and adjust.
Time: PT3M
Add Peas and Ham
Stir in 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw) and the diced ham. Add a splash more chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick. Heat through for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs, toss gently until every strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13‑inch baking pan with cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 4 oz shredded cheddar over the top.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 20‑25 minutes, until the top cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve hot with a large spoon.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Shellfish (none, but note dairy and gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ham: cooked turkey, cooked chicken
- Instead of Spaghetti: linguine, fettuccine, any short pasta
- Instead of Frozen Peas: fresh peas, green beans
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil (for sauté)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cooking Spray: butter, melted
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Large Deep Skillet
- Silicone Whisk
- Tongs
- 9×13‑inch Baking Pan
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta al dente
- Making a proper roux without browning
- Fully melting the cheddar cheese on low heat
- Baking until the top is bubbly and golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use leftover ham that’s been fully cooked; reheating will not overcook it.
- For extra flavor, replace half of the chicken broth with low‑sodium vegetable broth.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds a subtle warmth that pairs well with cheddar.
- Top with a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for a more complex crust.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Thin with additional chicken broth or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Sauce is lumpy.
Whisk vigorously while adding liquids; if lumps persist, blend with an immersion blender.
Cheese separates or looks oily.
Reduce heat before adding cheese and stir continuously; add cheese gradually.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and rinse briefly with warm water before adding to the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 10, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- For freezer‑ready meals, assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze; bake from frozen adding 10 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy cheesy ham tetrazini in American comfort food cuisine?
Tetrazini casseroles originated in mid‑20th‑century American home cooking as a way to stretch leftovers into a hearty baked pasta dish. Using ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce reflects the post‑war emphasis on convenience, dairy richness, and making the most of holiday leftovers.
What are the traditional regional variations of ham tetrazini in the United States?
In the Northeast, cooks often add New England clam juice or use elbow macaroni. In the South, a touch of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning is common, and some recipes swap cheddar for Monterey Jack. The Midwest tends to keep it simple with cheddar and peas, much like this recipe.
How is creamy cheesy ham tetrazini traditionally served in American holiday meals?
It is typically served as a side or main dish at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, placed alongside roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a green salad. The casserole is usually presented hot from the oven, allowing guests to scoop generous portions onto their plates.
What occasions or celebrations is creamy cheesy ham tetrazini traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish shines at holiday leftovers meals, pot‑lucks, and casual family gatherings. Because it repurposes leftover ham, it’s especially popular the day after Thanksgiving and during Christmas week.
How does creamy cheesy ham tetrazini fit into the broader American casserole tradition?
It exemplifies the American casserole ethos: a one‑dish, oven‑baked meal that combines starch, protein, and a creamy binder. Like tuna noodle or green bean casseroles, it offers comfort, ease, and the ability to stretch pantry staples.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for creamy cheesy ham tetrazini versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include cooked ham, thin spaghetti or other pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, a roux‑based cream sauce, peas, butter, and chicken broth. Acceptable substitutes are turkey or chicken for ham, linguine for spaghetti, Gruyère for cheddar, and half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream.
What other American side dishes pair well with creamy cheesy ham tetrazini?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic‑buttered green beans, or a simple apple‑cabbage slaw provide contrast to the rich casserole.
What makes creamy cheesy ham tetrazini special or unique in American casserole cuisine?
Its use of leftover ham adds a smoky, salty depth, while the cheddar‑cream sauce creates a velvety texture that coats each pasta strand. The addition of peas gives a pop of color and freshness that many baked pasta dishes lack.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy cheesy ham tetrazini?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it becomes mushy), letting the roux brown too dark (bitter flavor), adding cheese over high heat (causing separation), and baking for too long (drying out the casserole). Follow the timing and low‑heat cheese steps to prevent these issues.
Why does this creamy cheesy ham tetrazini recipe use a roux instead of cornstarch as a thickener?
A roux made from butter and flour adds a richer, buttery flavor that complements the cheddar and cream, whereas cornstarch would give a more neutral, glossy thickness but lack depth. The roux also helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Can I make creamy cheesy ham tetrazini ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed; you may need an extra 5‑10 minutes if the dish is cold.
What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?
The YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, especially dishes that make clever use of leftovers and seasonal ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Catherine's Plates focuses on practical, step‑by‑step tutorials with a warm, home‑kitchen vibe, emphasizing budget‑friendly meals and leftover transformations, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet plating or exotic cuisines.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
