Baked Ham and Cheese Farfalle Casserole with Almond Crumb Topping
A hearty pasta bake featuring tender bow tie noodles enveloped in a creamy mustard-spiked cheese sauce with chunks of ham and colorful bell peppers. The dish is crowned with a golden breadcrumb and almond topping that adds delightful crunch. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this comforting casserole transforms simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying one-dish meal that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry farfalle pasta, bow tie noodlespenne or rigatoni1:1shape-swap
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- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- ¼ cup butter or margarine
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- salt, to taste
- 1 14 ounce can chicken broth
- ¼ cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
- 2 cups ham, cubed
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup slivered or sliced almonds
Instructions
- 1
Cook farfalle in boiling salted water until al dente
- 2
Saute celery and onion in butter until soft
- 3
Add flour, dry mustard, and salt and pepper to taste
- 4
Add broth and half-and-half all at once
- 5
Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened
- 6
Combine sauce, ham, cheese, bell pepper, and noodles and place in large greased casserole dish
- 7
Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over top of casserole
- 8
Grate parmesan or asiago cheese over the top if desired
- 9
Bake until bubbly and topping is slightly browned
Tips
Cook pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb liquid from the sauce.
For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half or add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Make breadcrumbs fresh by pulsing day-old bread in a food processor for better texture than store-bought.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10-15 minutes to baking time
Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook pasta initially to avoid mushy texture after baking
Ensure sauce is thick enough before combining to prevent watery casserole
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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FAQ
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble without baking, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What if I don't have half-and-half?
Substitute with whole milk for lighter texture or heavy cream for richer result. You can also use the evaporated milk as suggested.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or warm entire dish in 325°F oven until heated through.