Jd’s Ham Tetrazzini: Comfort Food Reimagined

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every holiday, the star wasn’t just the glazed ham, but what came after: Grandma’s legendary tetrazzini. It was a creamy, comforting masterpiece that somehow managed to be even better than the ham itself. The anticipation of those leftovers, transformed into bubbling, cheesy goodness, made the holiday season truly special, and it’s a tradition I’m thrilled to share with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: One 8-inch square casserole or two pie plates
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy and gluten)

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups broken uncooked spaghetti (2-inch pieces)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 3⁄4 cup boiling water
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
• 1⁄2 teaspoon McCormick’s Season All (or seasoning of your choice, like Spike)
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups cubed cooked ham (we prefer 2 cups)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 (8 ounce) cans mixed mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup fat-free mozzarella cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar cheese is fabulous in here too)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• 8-inch square baking dish or two pie plates

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well when cooked and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Sauté the celery and onion in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil (not listed, but a small amount will help with the sautéing) for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they are just about tender. Be careful not to burn the onions; a light golden color is ideal.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in the boiling water. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Add the condensed cream of celery soup, pepper, McCormick’s Season All (or your seasoning of choice), the sautéed celery and onion, and the shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar) to the bowl with the bouillon mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, drained mushrooms, and cubed cooked ham. Pour the soup mixture over the top. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8-inch square baking dish or divide it between two greased pie plates. Using two pie plates allows you to serve one immediately and freeze the other for a future meal.
7. At this stage, the Ham Tetrazzini can be covered tightly with foil and frozen for later use.
8. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown. If using a microwave, heat in microwave-safe dishes for a total of 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be sure to let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Customize the cheese: While the recipe calls for fat-free mozzarella, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor, while Gruyere provides a nutty, creamy element. A blend of cheeses works well too.
• Add some heat: For a spicier tetrazzini, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Enhance the mushroom flavor: Sauté the mushrooms with the celery and onion for an even deeper, earthier flavor.
• Make it richer: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce for an extra creamy texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Jd’s Ham Tetrazzini hot, straight from the oven. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a perfect accompaniment. For a complete meal, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, either microwave individual portions or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For frozen tetrazzini, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze any leftovers, properly wrapped, for up to two months. Thaw and reheat as above.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	783.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	97 g	12%
Total Fat	10.8 g	16%
Saturated Fat	3.2 g	16%
Cholesterol	40.8 mg	13%
Sodium	688.7 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	130.4 g	43%
Dietary Fiber	6.3 g	25%
Sugars	4.8 g	N/A
Protein	37.7 g	75%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey Tetrazzini: Substitute the ham with cubed cooked turkey, especially leftover smoked turkey for a similar smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Omit the ham and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use a vegetarian bouillon cube.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the condensed soup is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream of celery soup substitute and dairy-free cheese alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the tetrazzini and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
A: You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, or even make your own cream sauce from scratch.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the mixture.

Q: How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?
A: If the top starts to brown too much before the tetrazzini is heated through, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Final Thoughts

Jd’s Ham Tetrazzini is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for using up leftover ham and creating a satisfying meal. This dish is simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it, experiment with different ingredients, and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this tetrazzini is sure to bring a smile to your face. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you’ve adapted this recipe to suit your tastes! Pair with a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful meal.