Tasso-Mirliton Casserole
 
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup chopped tasso
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 (8-ounce) block sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • 3 mirlitons, halved, seeded, and cut into ¼- to ½-inch-thick slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add tasso, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove from heat.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in cream until smooth; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in tasso, 1 cup cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
  4. Lightly spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray; arrange mirliton in prepared pan. Pour cheese mixture on top, and cover with foil.
  5. Bake until mirliton is tender, 45 to 55 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Increase oven temperature to broil. Broil 3 inches from heat until cheese is melted and lightly browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe by Louisiana Cookin' at https://louisianacookin.com/tasso-mirliton-casserole/