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This Ham & Cheese Orzo Bake is loaded with tender orzo pasta, melty cheddar cheese, and savory ham, all baked into one ultra-creamy, comforting casserole. This ham and cheese casserole recipe the ultimate easy dinner recipe when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you love baked pasta dishes but want something a little different, this ham and pasta casserole delivers big flavor with minimal prep. You may also love One Pan Southwest Sausage Orzo or Creamy Corn and Chicken Orzo. You can also use other noodles and make it a ham and cheese macaroni casserole!

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Casserole

• Cozy, creamy comfort food
• Quick and easy weeknight dinner
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Kid- and family-approved
• Perfect for leftover ham
• Freezer-friendly meal

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The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Orzo Casserole

The magic to this ham and cheese casserole is in the sauce: a blend of sour cream, sharp cheddar, and cream creates a rich, silky base that coats every bite. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a bubbly golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible.

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Ingredients for Creamy Ham and Cheese Orzo Bake

• 4 cups cooked orzo
• ¾ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk
• 1 cup chicken broth (not stock)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup diced ham
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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How to Make Ham & Cheese Orzo Bake

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Boil orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cream and chicken broth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour mixture into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Fold in diced ham. Top evenly with cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Recipe Variations for cheesy ham and rice casserole

Pasta Options

• Elbow macaroni
• Fusilli
• Shells
• Rotini

Add-In Ideas

• Baby spinach
• Peas
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Kale
• Broccoli

Cheese Swaps

• Colby Jack
• Swiss
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

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What to Serve With Ham & Cheese Orzo Bake

Pair this creamy casserole with:

• Simple mixed green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or potato bread
• Roasted vegetables

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Storage & Reheating Instructions for ham and pasta casserole

Refrigerator:

Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Add ¼–½ cup chicken broth, cover, and warm until heated through.

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FAQ: Ham & Cheese Orzo Bake

Is orzo rice or pasta?

Orzo is pasta made from wheat. It only looks like rice because of its shape.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, but cream makes the casserole richer.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo or a small GF pasta.

Why is my casserole dry?

Add more cream or broth before reheating.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Bake in a 9×13 dish and increase baking time slightly.

Can I substitute chicken for ham?

Yes—rotisserie chicken works great.

Step 3: Assemble cheesy orzo bake

Transfer to a greased 9×9 dish. Fold in diced ham. Top with shredded cheese.