One chilly December week, after spending the afternoon clearing snow from our front sidewalk, I headed inside with rosy cheeks and rumbling tummy. My husband had returned from shopping at the local butcher’s shop and carried a generous bag of leftover ham from an earlier roast.
I grabbed a bag of cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, and the rest of our Swiss cheese stash. As I stirred them together in the kitchen, the smell of buttered breadcrumbs toasting on top felt like comfort in a bowl.
Our granddaughter, home from college and escaping finals madness, arrived just as the casserole finished baking. We sat together at the table, plates steaming and forks ready. She told stories about campus life while sneaking bites between sentences. That warmth of sharing food and conversation reminded me of Sunday dinners at my parents’ house.
This Ham and Swiss Casserole carries that kind of family spirit—a simple layered dish full of textures, creamy sauce, and golden crunch. It warms up weeknights, brings comfort on cold mornings, and invites company without fuss. Best of all, it uses familiar ingredients that feel like home.
Short Description
A cozy casserole of egg noodles, diced ham, peas, and Swiss cheese mixed in creamy sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly and golden.
Key Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttered breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
Tools Needed
- Large pot for cooking noodles
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven and Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Bring water to boil, add noodles, and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and place in bowl.
Step 3: Mix Filling
Add diced ham, peas, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and 1 cup Swiss cheese to the noodles. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Swiss cheese on top.
Step 5: Add Topping
Scatter buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, with tender ham and sweet peas
Quick Assembly: Ready in under 45 minutes using pantry staples
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or comforting meals
Balance: Protein, veggies, and grains in one satisfying dish
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble earlier, bake fresh when needed
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Runny casserole: Pie filling may not set
Solution: Drain noodles well; mix ingredients gently
Dry topping: Breadcrumbs can burn
Solution: Toss with melted butter thoroughly before adding
Cold center: Might not heat through
Solution: Let rest 5 minutes after baking; serve warm
Clumpy cheese: Doesn’t melt evenly
Solution: Stir cheese into filling before topping
Uneven baking: Dish may bake unevenly
Solution: Place in center of oven and rotate halfway through
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve creamy scoop onto plates with a side salad or steamed vegetables
Pair with a light crisp white wine or iced tea
Family-style works well for dinner—let everyone serve themselves
Excellent comfort-food option for holiday brunch or casual Sunday meal
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftover casserole in airtight container up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated and topping re-crisps
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes (crumb topping may soften)
Reheat frozen portions by baking from thawed at 350°F for 15 minutes
FAQs
1. Can I use different noodles?
Yes. Rotini or penne noodles work just fine.
2. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely. Try diced carrots or broccoli stirred into the filling.
3. What if I don’t have cream soup?
Make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
4. Can I use other cheeses?
Swiss cheese is classic, but fontina or grated cheddar also taste great.
5. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze before baking, thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
Tips & Tricks
Make breadcrumbs from day-old bread for better flavor
Mix peas with noodles first to evenly distribute
Use light sour cream and soup for a lower-fat version
Pre-shred your cheese to help it melt more evenly
Garnish with parsley or chives for a fresh contrast
Recipe Variations
Smoky Ham & Smoked Gouda: Swap Swiss for smoked Gouda; add chopped smoked ham
Broccoli & Cheddar: Mix in steamed broccoli and cheddar cheese instead of Swiss
Mushroom Lover’s: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup
Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Swiss Casserole warmed my kitchen after a day of winter tasks, reminding me how simple dishes can bring a family together. My husband, granddaughter, and I shared bowls of comfort and laughter while stories from camp and campus floated around the table.
I think of my mother’s classic hot dishes on Sunday evenings, and how recipes like this carry traditions forward. From weeknight ease to celebration side dish, this casserole feels like a hug in every bite and it always brings everyone back to the table.
Cozy Ham And Swiss Casserole
Print ThisIngredients
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttered breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Boil noodles until tender. Drain and set aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Make Filling
Mix noodles with ham, peas, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and 1 cup of Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Add Topping
Spread breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley if you like. Serve warm.
