Ham and Noodle Casserole (Schinkenfleckel) Recipe

This ham and noodle casserole is an Americanized take on the Austrian and German classic known as schinkenflecken, schinkenfleckel, or schinkennudeln. Velvety, cheesy, and perfect for using leftover ham, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare.

I grew up eating a similar casserole my grandmother made, and it was one of my favorites. Her family background was Czech, and many of the dishes she cooked reflect Central European roots. Over the years I recreated this version based on family memories and a few recipes I studied to capture the spirit of schinkenflecken while keeping the flavors familiar.

What is schinkenflecken, schinkenfleckel, or schinkennudeln?

Schinkenflecken (or schinkennudeln) is a Central European casserole of noodles, ham, eggs, and cheese. Traditional recipes often include sour cream and Swiss-style cheeses, giving the dish a slightly tangy, creamy character. My version substitutes heavy cream for sour cream and uses cheddar for a familiar, rich flavor. It’s not strictly traditional, but it honors the comfort and simplicity of the originals.

What type of ham to use

Thick slices of leftover ham from holidays like Easter or Christmas work wonderfully here—dice them and they add great texture and flavor. If you only have deli-sliced ham, it will still be tasty; just know that thicker, smoked ham gives the best result.

What to serve with this ham and noodle casserole

This casserole is creamy and indulgent, so it benefits from something bright or acidic on the side to cut the richness. Here are a few complementary options:

• Kale salad with apples and cheddar – a tangy vinaigrette and crisp apples balance the dish.
• Red cabbage slaw – a bright slaw dressed with apple cider vinegar or a light vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast.
• Crisp apples – simple sliced apples bring a clean, fresh bite.
• Wine – a crisp, acidic white or a light red pairs nicely with the creamy casserole.

German Ham and Noodle Casserole

A creamy, cheesy casserole of egg noodles, ham, onion, eggs, and heavy cream—an easy way to transform leftovers into a comforting main or side.

Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
• ½ lb smoked ham, diced
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1½ cups white cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil the egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced ham and onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove from heat.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the grated cheese until combined.
5. Combine the drained noodles with the sautéed ham and onion. Pour the egg-and-cream mixture over the noodles and stir gently to mix.
6. Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is set and lightly browned.
8. Remove from the oven, let rest a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a cheesier finish, sprinkle extra cheese on top after baking and broil briefly until melted and golden.
• If you prefer a crunchier top, broil the casserole for a few minutes without additional cheese.
• Garnish with fresh chives or green onions for color and a fresh flavor boost.
• For a more traditional Central European flavor, swap cheddar for Swiss or Emmental cheese.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 511 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Fat: 34 g (Saturated fat: 20 g)
• Sodium: 680 mg

Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredient databases; verify with your own calculations if needed.