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Schinkenfleckerl Auflauf
German Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
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What is Auflauf?
The word simply means “a bake” or “a pile‑up,” and for centuries it referred to mixtures of noodles, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and dairy that were slid into the warm oven after the day’s bread was finished. These casseroles were a way to stretch ingredients, use leftovers wisely, and create something comforting without fuss.
What sets an Auflauf apart is its gentle custard base — eggs and milk or cream that bind the ingredients together — and the way the oven transforms simple staples into a cohesive, golden‑topped meal.** **Schinkenauflauf, or “ham casserole,” is one of the classic examples of this tradition.
German households often kept cured ham on hand, and even small scraps were enough to flavor an entire dish. Combined with noodles or potatoes and baked until the edges brown, Schinkenauflauf reflects the heart of German home cooking: modest ingredients, careful thrift, and the quiet pleasure of a warm, satisfying meal. It’s a dish that traveled easily to German‑American kitchens, fitting naturally into the casserole culture of the Midwest while still carrying the unmistakable character of its Old World roots.**
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