Let’s talk about SPAM (it’s always spelled “SPAM”, not “Spam” — I looked it up. :)).
It’s not a glamorous food by any account. The famous pork luncheon meat in a blue rectangular can was introduced by Hormel Foods in 1937 during the Great Depression as a simple, shelf-stable, and low-cost source of protein more affordable for struggling families. A million pounds of it was supplied to Allied troops during World War II, and due to its portability it became a household staple worldwide. In Hawaii, where more SPAM is consumed per year than anywhere else in the world, it’s achieved almost cult status, with an entire cuisine created around it and restaurants featuring it on their menus. Today SPAM is available in multiple flavors and packages, but it still uses the same basic ingredients as it did when it first hit the market.
I’ve posted a recipe for Hotdish before (you’ll find it here), where you can read the story about how it came into being. Given its purpose and humble roots a hotdish is an ideal use of SPAM, making it very quick and simple to prepare and keeping costs down. And that’s not always a bad thing.
The original version of this recipe has some irregularities in how it’s written, which became very obvious while I was preparing it. I’ve made adjustments on the recipe card that should help with those.
Adapted from Mollyshomeguide
SPAM Hotdish
Description
A creamy take on the traditional Midwestern Hotdish, using everyone's favorite canned luncheon meat.
Adapted from Mollyshomeguide
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, cooking only until al dente (usually about 5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl combine cubed SPAM, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and frozen peas. Stir until thoroughly combined.
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Place the egg noodles in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Add the Velveeta cubes and the SPAM mixture, then stir to combine and distribute evenly.
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Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the Velveeta has melted and the top is slightly golden. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, stirring to blend the melted cheese before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size approx 10 oz
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 441kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28.5g44%
- Saturated Fat 11.6g58%
- Cholesterol 86mg29%
- Sodium 1884mg79%
- Potassium 231mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 29.4g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
- Sugars 4.7g
- Protein 19g38%
- Calcium 224 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Notes
- While other flavors can be substituted, Original, Lite, or Reduced Sodium SPAM is recommended.
- This dish as prepared has a mild but rich flavor. For a spicier dish, substitute Hot and Spicy SPAM.
- Other meats can be substituted including diced chicken or browned ground beef.
- Other vegetables can be substituted for the peas if desired, or left out completely.
- Hotdish typically is made with short pasta rather than egg noodles. Suggested substitutions are elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini.
