This baked ham and cheese rice recipe is a casserole made with leftovers, making dinner a delicious yet easy task. It is so delish!
Table of Contents
- 1 Ingredients for the Ham and Cheese Rice Bake
- 2 How to make baked ham and cheese rice
- 3 Baked Ham and Cheese Rice: Variations
- 4 Storage
- 5 Tips for the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Rice
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Other Recipes with Ham to Try
- 8 Other Rice Recipes to Enjoy:
- 9 Baked Ham and Cheese Rice Recipe
Are you a fan of ham and cheese sandwiches? Me too! But what if I told you there is much more that you can do with that combo?
This "one-baking dish" Baked Ham and Cheese Rice Casserole is just one of those dishes -- and even better, is dinner made easy... with the added plus of leftovers, if desired.
Ingredients for the Ham and Cheese Rice Bake
Here is everything you will need to make this dish:
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ small white or yellow onion small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup plus ¼ of chopped fresh parsley for sprinkling on top
- 1 teaspoon salt or more if desired
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese or other of your choice about 2½ cups, I used Colby & Monterey Jack
- 8 oz chopped deli ham about 2½ cups
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice either chilled or at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
How to make baked ham and cheese rice
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease with softened butter and then flour (it can be a gluten-free one) a medium baking dish; set aside. If desired, you can place chunks of onion and carrot plus 1 cup of fresh parsley into a food processor and process until obtaining small pieces -- to avoid having to chop them by hand.
- In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with the heavy cream. Add the onion, carrot, 1 cup of chopped parsley, salt and pepper, mozzarella, ham, and rice. Stir with a wooden spoon until obtaining a homogeneous mixture.
- Place the rice mixture into the greased/floured baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top evenly. Bake, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes on the lowest oven rack. Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped parsley on top and serve. Enjoy!
Baked Ham and Cheese Rice: Variations
Chicken, bacon, sausage, and shredded jerked beef are just a few of the many variations that Brazilians make use of to transform the basic dish into a new one.
In addition, if you choose a different type of rice, such as wild rice, as well as another type of meat, cheese, or vegetable, you can repeat the same recipe yet give it a new name and face.
Basically, the only thing you would need to keep constant would be the yolks, heavy cream, salt and pepper.
To make baked rice casseroles even creamier, Brazilians love to add requeijão (Brazilian cream cheese) to the recipe -- although it is not required. We do just because, you know, you can never have too much cheese. 🙂
I will leave you now with the formula to one hero of a dish, and to your much-deserved rest.
Storage
Leftovers must be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Heat well before eating.
Tips for the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Rice
- Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal or a roast. It adds great flavor and reduces food waste.
- Cheese Variety: For the best results, use a combination of cheddar cheese for sharpness and mozzarella for meltiness. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
- Rice Texture: Make sure to cook the rice just before adding it to the casserole. If using leftover rice, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the other ingredients.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy dish, add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture before baking.
- Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Be sure to check the rice about 5 minutes before the suggested cooking time is up. If it’s starting to brown too much, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
- Use a Deep Baking Dish: This will help ensure the rice and cheese bake evenly without spilling over.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes! While long-grain white rice is preferred for this dish, you can also use cooked brown rice for a heartier, healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ham and cheese rice dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and replace it with vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach. You can also use tofu for protein. - 4. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like some heat, add some chopped jalapeños, one or two teaspoons of hot sauce, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the rice mixture before baking.
Other Recipes with Ham to Try
Other Rice Recipes to Enjoy:
PIN & ENJOY!
Baked Ham and Cheese Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ small white or yellow onion small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup plus ¼ of chopped fresh parsley for sprinkling on top
- 1 teaspoon salt or more if desired
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese or other of your choice about 2½ cups, I used Colby & Monterey Jack
- 8 oz chopped deli ham about 2½ cups
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice either chilled or at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease with softened butter and then flour (it can be a gluten-free one) a medium baking dish; set aside.
- NOTE: If desired, you can place chunks of onion and carrot plus 1 cup of fresh parsley into a food processor and process until obtaining small pieces -- to avoid having to chop them by hand.
- In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with the heavy cream. Add the onion, carrot, 1 cup of chopped parsley, salt and pepper, mozzarella, ham, and rice. Stir with a wooden spoon until obtaining a homogeneous mixture.
- Place rice mixture into the greased/floured baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top evenly. Bake, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes on the lowest oven rack. Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped parsley on top and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Lynna says
Hi Denise! I saw this baked rice on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. I am so happy that I did because it was comforting, cheesy and so delicious. Next time I will try with chicken or sausage.
Alyssa F. says
Hello!
I want to try this recipe, but was hoping to avoid cooking the rice ahead of time. Do you have any suggested adaptations for using uncooked rice? I'm wondering how much extra moisture I should put in.
Thanks!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Alyssa! Yes, you can adapt this recipe for sure.
If you don't want to precook the rice, please follow the instructions below:
1. In a large baking pan or pyrex, mix 1 cup of (uncooked) parboiled long grain rice with 2 1/4 cups BOILING water and 2 TBSP butter. Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes.
2. Then, uncovered pan and mix the just cooked rice in the oven with all the other ingredients and their amounts stated in the recipe. Bake for the time stated there. NOTE: Make sure any added liquids are at least warm or hot; otherwise cream will curd.
I hope this helps. It will take more time to get this recipe ready but that is the best way to adapt this recipe without having to use cooked rice leftovers.
Silvia Martinez says
This looks so delicious and easy to make, a winner!
JB says
My family and I love this cheesy, delicious casserole!
Alejandra Graf says
That is amazing! With those beautiful pictures, I can even smell it!;)
Enriqueta Lemoine says
Denisse I'm rapidly becomeing your number one fan. Love your pics and recipes! Keep rocking my friend!
Dorace Trottier says
This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much! Had to laugh out loud over your requeijão comment! We put Catupiry in EVERYTHING! I plan on making this tonight, it is snowing outside and Arroz de Forno is perfect, I will serve it with pão de queijo!
Denise Browning says
Dorace: I am so glad that you found here the recipe that you needed. This is a family fave. Enjoy!
Dom Wells says
Amazing recipe! Everyone at home just loved it….thanks for sharing! I am a big fan of your blog and I always find here some delicious food 🙂
Denise Browning says
Wow! Thanks a ton, Dom! I am so glad your family enjoyed this dish which is truly a family favorite at my household.
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
I won a bunch of crock pots and dishes that I just haven't known what I will cook in them, that is until now. I freakin LOVE this super simple yet oh so tasty feed, perfect week night feed. Adding to my list. Thanks love.
Little Cooking Tips says
Wow. Just like Ash says, this is a rich, decadent dish, that completely transforms any leftover rice. Beautiful rice casserole dear Denise and like you mentioned, the possibilities are endless! We'll be trying that one with broccoli and other veggies as we've cut down (drastically) our bacon and processed meats consumption ourselves. We bet it'll taste amazing!
And yes. One can never have too much cheese!:):)
Pinned!
xoxoxo
Asha says
Such a decadent looking dish my dear. So comforting. My boys would love to have this.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
xx
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
I was wondering what I should cook for dinner tonight- now I know! Thanks for the idea!
Denise Browning says
Enjoy it, Fran!!!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Great looking dish! I love to do gratins like this -- so much flavor. And I can never resist a cheesy dish. 🙂 Good stuff -- thanks.
Amira says
Now this is really something here... you convinced me girl. I can think of a gazillion of varieties for this amazing dish. Your arroz de forno looks so delicious.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
This would be perfect for me to take to work for lunch!
Nydia says
This is a great idea to use leftover rice.
Raymund says
Wow that really looks delicious! Look at that melting cheese, its something to die for 🙂
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
What a wonderful dinner recipe! One dish dinners are such time savers. The huge plus this recipe brings is all that scrumptious, creamy sauce. And a great way to use up leftovers!
Krista says
This looks absolutely fantastic! So creamy, savory, and comforting. 🙂