Ham & Broccoli Bake

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted, but the ordeal of my mother’s declining health, open heart surgery, and then unexpected death was a lot to deal with. I feel like I’m still in the numb disbelief stage, but each day I try my hardest to do whatever I need to, whatever I can. Today I thought of my mom and wanted to try and get back on the road of my life and doing something I know she’d like. So here I am with a recipe I whipped up last night that is so easy and pretty quick too. The kids gave it raving reviews, and I hope you enjoy it too!

So, let’s get cooking!

First, cube the ham into ½ inch pieces, and grate the cheddar cheese.

Make the roux by melting the butter in a large saucepan and stirring in the flour with a whisk. Add the warmed milk slowly, whisking in and continuously whisking until it blends and then thickens. I just put the milk in the microwave for about 3 minutes while I was dicing the ham. Add the salt, pepper, and 2 c of the cheddar cheese and mix in until melted.

Next, and this is soooooooo hard…..place the broccoli and ham in an 11 X 15” baking dish! hee hee Add the sauce and mix it in. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle on the French fried onions and the last cup of grated cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. And Aunt Viola! (voilà!) You’ve got yourself a nifty casserole the whole family will love. Megan is actually eating it for breakfast this morning!

Enjoy! ~TMMF

Ham & Broccoli Bake

1 ½ lb ham

2 ½ lb broccoli florets

½ c butter

2/3 c flour

5 c milk, warmed

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

3 c shredded cheddar cheese,

divided 

2 c French fried onions