Cheesy Ham and Pea (Printer-Friendly)

A comforting blend of ham, peas, rice, and cheddar baked for a bubbly, golden crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups cubed cooked ham
03 - 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

→ Sauce and Dairy

04 - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, low sodium
05 - 1/2 cup sour cream, full fat
06 - 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, cubed ham, thawed peas, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional hot sauce until fully incorporated with no dry pockets.
03 - Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar uniformly over the surface.
04 - Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and cheese is melted and golden.
05 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Cut into portions and serve warm.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Shredding your own cheese ensures superior melt and avoids fillers. Adjust seasoning if ham is mild. Adding buttered breadcrumbs atop adds a crunchy texture.