Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole
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Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food: warm, creamy, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar. I love how it turns familiar ingredients into a hearty meal with very little hands-on work. Better yet, it makes six servings, so it suits both a family dinner and a table of holiday guests.
The flavor comes from cubed ham, tender long-grain rice, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Green onions and dried parsley add a fresh, mild note, while garlic powder and seasoning salt bring out the savory taste. Frozen peas add color and a little sweetness, and milk and butter help create a rich, creamy casserole as it bakes.
To make Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole, stir the ingredients together in a greased 3-quart baking dish, cover tightly, and bake for an hour. Then add the remaining cheddar and bake uncovered for five more minutes, just until the cheese melts. With only 5 minutes of prep and a total time of 1 hour 10 minutes, this is a simple, mostly hands-off dinner.
Serve this casserole on a chilly night, as part of a Christmas meal, or whenever you have leftover ham to use. It also works well for a relaxed potluck or a make-ahead family dinner. Just add a crisp side salad or another favorite vegetable to round out the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole
- Easy to prepare: Stir everything together in one baking dish, cover, and let the oven do most of the work.
- A smart use for ham: Cubed cooked ham gives the casserole a savory, hearty base.
- Comforting and filling: Rice, milk, butter, and two kinds of cheese bake into a cozy meal.
- Simple ingredients: Frozen peas, dried parsley, and pantry seasonings make this easy to pull together.
- Good for sharing: The recipe makes six servings, so it fits a family dinner or a small gathering.
Ham Tips
Choose fully cooked ham with a mild, savory flavor, such as leftover baked ham or a ham steak. Cut it into small, even cubes so each portion gets a good mix of ham, rice, and peas. If your ham tastes especially salty, use a light hand with the seasoning salt, since the cheese and ham already add plenty of savory flavor. Also, trim away any thick, tough rind before cubing. The recipe relies on cooked ham, so there is no need to brown it first.
Options for Substitutions
- Cheddar: Swap some or all of the sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby. These melt well and have a milder flavor.
- Ham: Use cooked turkey or chicken instead. Keep the amount at 2 cups and cut it into bite-size pieces.
- Green onions: Use the listed 1 tablespoon of onion flakes, or replace the green onions with finely chopped yellow onion.
- Dried parsley: Try dried thyme or Italian seasoning for a different herbal note. Start with a smaller amount if you want a gentler flavor.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a richer casserole, or 2% milk for a lighter result. Avoid swapping in water, as the casserole needs the milk for its creamy texture.
- Peas: Replace the frozen peas with frozen mixed vegetables or corn. Add them frozen, and avoid using a large amount of extra vegetables, which can change the casserole’s moisture balance.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
First, measure the rice carefully and use uncooked long-grain white rice as written. Instant rice, brown rice, and other varieties cook differently, so they may not soften in the same amount of time.
Next, cover the baking dish tightly with foil. If steam escapes, the rice may not cook through. Use a lid if your dish has one, or press foil firmly around the rim.
Also, stir only until the ingredients are mixed. The rice needs to sit in the milk mixture as it bakes, so make sure it is spread through the dish rather than packed into a thick layer. Do not add extra liquid or vegetables without considering how they may affect the texture.
Finally, wait until the rice has baked for 60 minutes before adding the reserved cheddar. The last five minutes are enough to melt the cheese on top. If the rice is still firm, keep the casserole covered and bake a little longer before adding the topping.
What to Serve With Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole?
Because Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole is creamy and filling, serve it with fresh or lightly seasoned sides. A green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast, while roasted broccoli or green beans bring a tender vegetable option. For a holiday meal, glazed carrots pair nicely with the salty ham and sharp cheese. A small roll or slice of crusty bread is also welcome for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store: Let the casserole cool, then place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For quicker, even reheating, divide large portions into smaller containers.
Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for best quality. The rice may soften slightly after thawing, but the casserole will still make a convenient meal. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: For the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring or turning the portion as needed. For the stovetop, add a small splash of milk to a skillet with the casserole, cover, and warm over low heat. Stir gently until hot throughout, adding a little more milk if needed to loosen the rice.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 598 kcal per serving
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 3,300-3,800 calories
- Protein: Approximately 150-190 grams
- Fat: Approximately 150-190 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 260-310 grams
These are broad estimates, not a lab analysis. Actual nutrition can vary based on the brand and fat level of the milk, cheese, and ham. The supplied estimate is 598 kcal per serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 1/2 cup green onions (or 1 Tbsp. onion flakes)
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Heat the oven to 425°F. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray. Choose a dish with a lid, or have foil ready so you can cover it tightly during baking.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Other Ingredients
Put half of the cheddar in the prepared dish. Add the uncooked rice, cubed ham, green onions, parsley, milk, Parmesan, seasoning salt, frozen peas, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir just until the ingredients are mixed and spread through the dish.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with its lid or foil. Bake at 425°F for 60 minutes. The tight cover holds in steam, which helps cook the rice until tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Topping
Carefully remove the foil or lid. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top, then return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Serve and Store Leftovers
Serve the casserole hot. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole brings together tender rice, savory ham, sweet peas, and plenty of melted cheese in one easy-to-make dish. With just five minutes of prep and a little over an hour in the oven, it is a practical choice for a cozy dinner or a holiday table. Try it with leftover ham, then share how it turned out or tell us which side dish you served alongside it.
Cheesy Christmas Ham and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Put half of the cheddar into the prepared dish, and add the uncooked rice, cubed ham, green onions, parsley, milk, Parmesan, seasoning salt, frozen peas, melted butter, and garlic powder.
- Stir just until the ingredients are mixed and spread evenly in the dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with its lid or foil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 60 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cover, sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top, and return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Serve the casserole hot and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
