I can't believe it has taken me so long to post this delicious recipe. I cooked it way back in the Spring, but then the weather started getting hot and I didn't think it was the time of year that people would enjoy cooking and eating this kind of food, but with autumn in the offing I think its about time I brought it forward! This be pretty good eating and I don't want anyone to miss out on it!
It's a great casserole to make when you have leftover ham and potatoes. I usually cook extra potatoes if I am boiling them, just so I can make dishes like this. And when I have baked a ham, I always chop up the extras and bang them in the freezer, just to have on hand when we are wanting something a bit heartier, but that won't break the bank!
I have also been known to buy a slab of ham just to make this, but you could probably use sliced ham or tinned ham if you really wanted to, with no problem at all.
Cooked potatoes are layered with a mixture of sauteed onions, sauerkraut and ham . . . in a shallow casserole dish . . .
I love sauekraut myself. Its always been a favorite of mine . . . and I suppose that is why this is called German Casserole . . . because of the sauekraut. My sister makes her own kraut. I have not been brave enough yet . . .
I suppose I am too afraid of poisoning myself. I have had food poisoning several times in my life and I am not likely to want to repeat that performance again! I still can't really face chicken parmesan since the last time I had it. It wasn't the chicken that did it to me, but chicken parm was the last thing I ate before it hit. 'Nuf said!
Of course if you are not a big fan of sauerkraut you could use thinly sliced cabbage that you saute along with the onions and ham. Its really, REALLY good done that way also! Of course cheese on top, makes most casseroles automatically taste better! I do so love a good casserole!
*German Casserole*Serves 4 - 6Printable Recipe
A great casserole that uses up leftovers in a very delicious way! Simple and easy to make and a quick bake. You will need leftover cooked ham and potatoes.
2 cups cubed cooked smoked ham1 medium onion, peeled and chopped3 TBS butter1 tsp sweet paprika2 pounds cooked potatoes, peeled and sliced795g jar or sauerkraut, drained, rinsed and drained again (28 ounce can)salt and black pepper to taste2 large free range eggs4 TBS milk240g grated strong cheddar cheese (I use a mix of orange and white for colour) (2 cups)
Preheat your oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Melt the butter in a large skillet until it begins to foam. Add the onion and ham. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, without browning. Add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut and paprika and mix well together.
Place half of your sliced potatoes in a buttered 9 inch casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the ham and sauerkraut mixture over top. Cover with the remaining potatoes. Season again. Beat together the eggs and milk. Pour this over the potatoes. Sprinkle with the grated cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot.
Now doesn't that look tasty! Some crusty bread spread with cold butter goes really well with this, and if you can find rye bread, so much the better!
You could also use sliced smoked sausage or hotdogs in this if you wanted to. Its all good. I hope you will try it. It would make a great dish for October Fest! Guten Appetit!
