Schinkenfleckerl (Ham and Pasta Bake)

Name: Schinkenfleckerl (Ham and Pasta Bake)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Austria
Ingredients: Fleckerl pasta (or other square-cut pasta) — 400 g (14 oz); Cooked ham, diced — 250 g (9 oz); Large eggs — 3; Sour cream — 250 ml (1 cup); Whole milk — 100 ml (1/3 cup); Small onion, finely diced — 1; Butter — 20 g (1 1/2 tbsp); Grated Emmental cheese — 100 g (1 cup); Salt — 1 tsp; Ground black pepper — 1/2 tsp; Ground nutmeg — 1 pinch

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min

Prep

35 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Fleckerl pasta (or other square-cut pasta) — 400 g (14 oz)
Cooked ham, diced — 250 g (9 oz)
Large eggs — 3
Sour cream — 250 ml (1 cup)
Whole milk — 100 ml (1/3 cup)
Small onion, finely diced — 1
Butter — 20 g (1 1/2 tbsp)
Grated Emmental cheese — 100 g (1 cup)
Salt — 1 tsp
Ground black pepper — 1/2 tsp
Ground nutmeg — 1 pinch

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a baking dish.
Cook the Fleckerl pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
In a frying pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the diced ham and warm through for 2 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Combine the pasta, ham and onion mixture in the baking dish, then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top so it settles into the pasta.
Scatter the grated Emmental over the surface.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set, with a lightly crisp top.

Introduction: Schinkenfleckerl is a homely baked pasta dish found on Austrian lunch tables and in Viennese Beisl (tavern-style) restaurants alike.

Cultural Background: Schinkenfleckerl is a homely baked pasta dish found on Austrian lunch tables and in Viennese Beisl (tavern-style) restaurants alike. Made with square-cut Fleckerl pasta, ham and a creamy egg custard, it developed as a practical way to use up leftover ham and is closely tied to Austria’s love of simple, satisfying baked dishes.

Tips: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving so it holds together when sliced. For extra flavour, brown the ham lightly before adding the onion.

Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture. Swap ham for smoked bacon lardons for a stronger flavour. Omit the ham and add extra cheese and sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ham and add extra vegetables and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 15 minutes, or microwave until piping hot.

Nutrition: Approx. per serving: 520 kcal, 24g protein, 48g carbohydrate, 26g fat

FAQs:

Q: What is Fleckerl pasta?

A: It’s a small, square-cut pasta traditional in Austrian and Central European cooking; farfalle or macaroni can substitute.

Q: Can this be made ahead?

A: Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and bake fresh when ready to serve.