Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty ham and potato casserole that warms your soul from the first bite.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this creamy, cheesy delight.

Layers of tender potatoes and savory ham create a magical combination that feels like a hug on a plate.

Rich, golden-brown edges promise a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Every forkful brings memories of family gatherings and shared meals around the table.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted goodness that binds these ingredients together.

Come hungry and leave happy with this irresistible classic that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

How to Make Ham and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion and let it dance around for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

• Onion
• Garlic

Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for another minute.

Sprinkle flour into the pan and keep stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking like a pro until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Thyme

Mix until silky smooth.

Step 3: Layer Your Deliciousness

Spread half the potatoes across the baking dish like a cozy blanket. Top with half the ham and a generous pour of cheese sauce.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Crown

Shower the top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Optional crunch boost: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven for 40 minutes.

Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Feast

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes- patience is key!

Scatter fresh parsley on top and dive in!

Tips for Creamy and Crispy Results

• Boost Cheese Sauce Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a dash of nutmeg to elevate the cheese sauce's depth and complexity, creating a more sophisticated taste profile.
• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfectly layered texture throughout the casserole.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture, helping maintain a crisp and golden-brown casserole base.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon for a versatile dish that adapts to different protein preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time for a convenient meal solution.

Reheating and Storing Instructions

• Store leftover ham and potato casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if potatoes were previously frozen.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture if needed.

What Makes This Ham and Potato Casserole a Comfort Favorite

• Kids and adults alike will love the creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for dinner gatherings.
• Swap ham for leftover chicken, add different herbs, or experiment with cheese varieties to create a unique dish tailored to your taste preferences.
• Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, saving precious time during hectic weekdays and ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach.

Ingredients for a Savory Ham and Potato Bake

• Ham: Rich, salty meat that adds hearty flavor and protein to the casserole. Prefer low-sodium or leftover holiday ham for best taste.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Creamy cheeses that create smooth, melty texture. Sharp cheddar provides more intense flavor.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety cheese sauce base. Whole milk ensures rich consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build sauce foundation. Use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

• Potatoes: Starchy, comforting base that absorbs cheese sauce. Russet or Yukon gold work best for creamy texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and background flavor. Fresh garlic recommended for more intense taste.

• Flour: Thickens cheese sauce and provides smooth consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor.
• Paprika, Thyme: Warm spices that add complexity and slight earthiness to the casserole.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional topping for extra crunch and golden surface.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note.

Great Side Dishes for This Casserole

• Select a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce and cut through the casserole's heaviness.
• Create a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty, warm casserole and add a refreshing contrast to the dish.
• Add dill pickles or pickled vegetables on the side to provide a zesty, acidic bite that enhances the salty ham and cheesy flavors.
• Serve warm, crusty French bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide an extra textural element to the meal.

Custom Variations You Can Try

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add plant-based protein such as cubed tofu or tempeh for extra substance.
• Gluten-Free Casserole: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Keep cheese sauce and seasoning the same for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap thyme for cilantro. Top with pepper jack cheese and include crumbled chorizo instead of traditional ham for a zesty flavor profile.

FAQs About Ham and Potato Casserole

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use various potatoes like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, bacon, or even leftover turkey work great as alternative protein options in this casserole.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor.

Ham And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy cheese sauce with savory ham chunks. Layers of golden potatoes and melted cheddar promise delicious warmth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 ml) russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked ham (diced)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of fat to prevent sticking, then configure the oven temperature to 375F (190C).
2. Craft the foundational cream sauce by gently melting dairy fat in a medium saucepan, introducing finely diced aromatics and allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
3. Incorporate flour into the sautéed vegetables, creating a golden roux that will serve as the thickening agent for the silky sauce.
4. Gradually introduce dairy liquids, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and create a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and integrate shredded cheese varieties, stirring until they melt completely and blend seamlessly with the creamy base.
6. Layer the casserole by creating alternating strata of thinly sliced potatoes and diced protein, ensuring even distribution of each component.
7. Cascade the prepared cheese sauce over the layered ingredients, allowing it to penetrate and coat every morsel.
8. Embellish the surface with an additional sprinkle of cheese and optional breadcrumb topping for a crisp, golden exterior.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to preserve moisture and promote even cooking.
10. Unveil the dish during the final cooking phase to encourage caramelization and develop a crisp, appetizing crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest briefly after emerging from the oven, which helps the layers settle and makes serving more manageable.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish to the comforting dish.

Notes

• Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-rich twist that adds vibrant color and extra vitamins to the dish.
• Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the creamy texture and delicious flavor.
• Reduce the cheese and cream for a lighter version by substituting half with low-fat milk and using reduced-fat cheese varieties, which cuts calories while maintaining the casserole’s comforting essence.
• Boost protein content by adding cooked diced chicken or turkey alongside ham, creating a more substantial and versatile one-dish meal that works for different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg