Czech Ham and Noodle Casserole – Šunkofleky Recipe - Cook Like Czechs (2024)

It's the perfect time to enjoy a beloved Czech dish that brings back childhood memories! What might that be, you ask? It is Šunkofleky, a creamy noodle and ham casserole that makes the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

➜ What is Šunkofleky?

Šunkofleky is a delicious Czech old-school meal made with tender cooked noodles and diced ham. This comforting base is then covered with a rich blend of milk, cream, and eggs and baked in the oven. Served as a hearty main course, Šunkofleky casserole promises a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

TIP: These Czech dill pickles are traditionally served with Šunkofleky.

➜ Pronunciation

I have recorded a short audio clip on the pronunciation of the Czech word "Šunkofleky" (ham and noodle casserole). Feel free to click and listen.

What does the Czech word "Šunkofleky" mean? Well, it is quite literal: "Šunka" translates to "ham" and "fleky" refers to a type of pasta. So when you hear "Šunkofleky," think of a delicious bake where ham, pasta, and milk come together to create a delectable meal.

Interested in Czech cuisine? Discover more authentic Czech food!

➜ Ingredients

➜ How to make Czech Šunkofleky

Make ahead

STEP 1: Grease the baking dish with a pat of butter or another solid fat and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. Gently tap the dish on the work surface to remove any excess breadcrumbs.

A layer of breadcrumbs will prevent the pasta mixture from sticking during baking. If you are using a nonstick baking dish, you can skip this step.

STEP 2: Peel and press the garlic cloves.

Cook pasta

STEP 3: Cook the pasta in salted water until tender, then drain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

Fry diced ham

STEP 4: While the pasta is cooking, dice the ham into 1/3-inch (0,7 cm) pieces. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and let a knob of butter melt in it.

Add the ham cubes and cook, stirring constantly, until their edges begin to brown. This will take about three to five minutes.

Make eggy mixture

STEP 5: Pour the milk and heavy cream into a large enough container. Add the eggs and beat them with a hand whisk until a creamy, yellowish mixture forms.

Assemble

STEP 6: In a large bowl, combine the hot, drained pasta with the fried ham. Season with salt and pepper, and add the pressed garlic. Mix well. Finally, pour in the milk and egg mixture. Stir again thoroughly.

STEP 7: Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.

Bake the casserole in the oven

STEP 8: Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C), using the top and bottom heat, not the fan-forced circulation. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven without opening it, and leave the casserole sit in the oven for another 15 minutes to finish cooking.

Note: Slow baking at a lower temperature keeps the surface of the pasta from drying out and keeps the interior perfectly creamy. Baking at higher temperatures and using fan-forced circulation could easily cause the pasta on the top layer to turn too hard, which would spoil your eating experience.

Attention! If you're using a cast iron or other heavy-duty baking dish, add 10 minutes to the baking time. Such a pan will need more time to heat up initially.

➜ Serving

Once the Šunkofleky have finished baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.

Serve the Šunkofleky warm. Cut the casserole into squares measuring about 5x5 inches (13x13 cm). Place each portion on a plate, and if desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley leaves. A pickled cucumber is also a great accompaniment to this bake.

Note: Hot Šunkofleky casserole may tend to fall apart when sliced. This is normal, so don't worry. As the dish cools, it will firm up and hold its shape better. It will taste just as delicious in both scenarios!

➜ Tips on storage

• In the fridge: Cover the cold dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to five days.
• In the freezer: Šunkofleky freezes wonderfully! Cut the leftovers into individual servings, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer. Consume within three months.
• How to reheat? I have found the best way is to warm up the Šunkofleky in a skillet with melted butter. I slice the serving into bite-sized pieces and fry them on all sides over medium heat.

➜ Useful tips

• Enhance your Šunkofleky by adding chopped onion to the skillet when frying the ham (see STEP 4).
• You can incorporate other leftovers from the fridge into the pasta and ham mixture, like canned peas, or sprinkle grated cheese on top od Šunkofleky when serving
• Bake Šunkofleky a pan uncovered, without a lid.

More Czech dishes:

• Rajská omáčka – Czech sweet tomato gravy
• Smažený sýr – breaded and fried cheese (in Czech known as "smažák")
• Holandský řízek – Dutch or Holland Schnitzel (but typical Czech!)