When the fridge holds a few slices of ham and a handful of grated cheese, a quick pasta gratin can turn them into a warm, comforting meal. This ham-and-cheese pasta bake is simple, family-friendly, and a smart way to use leftovers. Read on for a clear ingredient list, easy steps, and practical tips to get a golden, bubbly gratin on the table fast.
Ingredients for a simple ham and cheese pasta bake (serves 4)
- 300 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
- 200 ml heavy cream (20 cl)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices of ham, cut into cubes
- 150 g grated cheese (cheddar, gruyère, or a mix)
Kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander to drain pasta
- Mixing bowl and fork or whisk
- Ovenproof baking dish (about 20×30 cm)
- Measuring spoons and kitchen scale
Step-by-step: How to make this creamy ham-and-cheese gratin
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and toss immediately with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, beat the egg with the cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the diced ham and 100 g of the grated cheese to the cream mixture.
- Combine the warm pasta with the creamy ham mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Transfer everything to your baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 50 g of cheese on top.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the gratin for about 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Timing at a glance
- Preparation: about 10 minutes
- Bake time: roughly 15 minutes
- Total active time: ~25 minutes
Practical tips and easy variations
- Use leftover cooked pasta. It saves time and keeps the texture pleasant.
- Swap the ham for cooked chicken or bacon for a different flavor.
- Mix in vegetables like peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for color and nutrients.
- For a lighter dish, replace heavy cream with crème fraîche or a milk-thickener mix.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cream for extra depth.
Nutrition details per serving
- Calories: 664 Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49.5 g
- Fat: 34.9 g
- Saturated fat: 20.7 g
- Protein: 35.4 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Sugars: 3.4 g
- ProPoints: 18 • SmartPoints: 23
Nutrition note: Values refer to one portion (about 226 g).
What to serve with this ham and cheese pasta bake
- Light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Steamed seasonal vegetables for added fiber.
- Wine pairings: try a light red such as Irancy or Pinot Noir, or a fruity Beaujolais like Fleurie.
Who created the recipe and cooking background
Recipe development and photography by Juliette Hess, a long-time food content creator. She loves pasta in all forms and tests each dish until it’s family-ready. Juliette aims for accessible recipes that make weeknight cooking easier.
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