Table of Contents

Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Manicotti: A Comfort Food Classic

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted manicotti. It wasn’t this exact recipe, but the sheer concept of pasta tubes stuffed with deliciousness and smothered in a creamy sauce was revolutionary to my young palate. This version, with its savory ham, tender broccoli, and that dreamy cheese sauce, takes the classic to a new level. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and the leftovers, if there are any, are just as good the next day.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 10 manicotti
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups finely diced ham
2 cups finely chopped broccoli (including stems)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper (optional)
Garlic (optional)
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
10 cooked manicotti shells
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Spoon or piping bag for stuffing

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes tender and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add the finely diced ham and finely chopped broccoli to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly softened.
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheddar cheese is completely melted and the mixture is well combined. This creates the delicious, creamy filling for the manicotti.
At this point, you can optionally add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the ham and broccoli mixture to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when stuffing the manicotti shells.
While the filling is cooling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the grated Swiss cheese. Stir until the Swiss cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Now it’s time to stuff the manicotti shells. Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ham and broccoli mixture, dividing the filling evenly among the shells.
Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the greased 9×13 inch baking pan in a single layer.
Pour the Swiss cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring that they are well coated.
Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Remove the Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Manicotti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the manicotti shells initially. If you slightly undercook them, they will be easier to stuff without tearing. Aim for al dente.
Use a piping bag for easy stuffing: Transfer the cooled ham and broccoli filling to a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) to make stuffing the manicotti shells neater and faster.
Make ahead: You can assemble the manicotti a day ahead of time. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
For a richer sauce: Use heavy cream instead of milk for an extra decadent sauce.
Prevent sticking: Make sure to grease the baking dish very well to prevent the manicotti from sticking. You can also use cooking spray.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Manicotti hot, directly from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.

To store leftovers, allow the manicotti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing is also an option. Wrap the cooled manicotti tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	233.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	142 g	61%
Total Fat	15.8 g	24%
Saturated Fat	9 g	45%
Cholesterol	56.2 mg	18%
Sodium	599.3 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	8.4 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	1.2 g	4%
Protein	14.6 g	29%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add more broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: While you can’t make truly gluten-free manicotti, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles, spread the filling and roll the noodles, creating a cannelloni style dish.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling or sauce. Mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a touch of heat.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: Replace half of the milk in the cheese sauce with tomato sauce for a pink, creamy tomato sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan would all work well in this recipe.

Q: What can I serve with this manicotti?
A: A crisp green salad and warm garlic bread are classic pairings. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple side of steamed asparagus.

Q: How do I prevent the manicotti from drying out in the oven?
A: Make sure the manicotti shells are well coated in the cheese sauce. You can also cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time, then remove the foil for the last half to allow the top to brown.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Manicotti is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a warm, comforting meal that brings people together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, I hope this dish brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. So, get into the kitchen, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious. I’d love to hear about your experiences and any creative twists you add along the way. Bon appétit!

Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Manicotti Recipe