Czech Šunofleky (Ham and Pasta Bake) is a traditional Czech pasta casserole. I’ve been wanting to try it for YEARS and finally had all of the ingredients and the motivation to make it. I adapted the original recipe and added cabbage and onions to the recipe. I substituted Spätzle for the noodles since I had a package on hand. I liked the results!

This is not a dish that was served in our family home in Iowa. We had many other Czech dishes, but this was a new, very tasty addition to our family collection.

Note: I realize the photo is bland and looks like scrambled eggs, but it is very tasty. I saw a post recently that the late Anthony Boudin once referred to the Czech cuisine saying, ‘This is the land that vegetables forgot.’ May I just say, I did add onion and cabbage and I think that counts for something!

Czech Šunofleky (Ham and Pasta Bake)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound broad egg noodles or pasta (I used Spätzle)
• 14- 16 ounces of smoked ham, diced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups milk or cream
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cabbage, shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing cabbage and onion
• Butter or oil for greasing the pan
• Optional: breadcrumbs or cheese for topping (I used breadcrumbs)
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook the noodles/pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Cook the cabbage and onions: Sauté the cabbage and onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until cooked through.
3. Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or cream), salt, pepper and nutmeg (optional).
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking dish.
5. Mix and assemble: Add ham, noodles, cabbage and onions, to the egg mixture. Stir well. Pour into the dish and spread evenly.
6. Optional topping: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or grated cheese. (I used breadcrumbs).
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
8. Cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Recipe adapted from Easyworldrecipes