The Best Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole: Easy & Delicious Leftover Ham Dinner
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting casserole to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table. This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is the quintessential comfort food, renowned for its rich flavors and incredible ease of preparation. It’s an absolute lifesaver when you’re looking for creative and delicious ways to utilize that leftover holiday ham, transforming it into a brand-new family favorite. With layers of tender, perfectly cooked potatoes, savory chunks of ham, and a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish bakes until golden and bubbly, promising a satisfying meal every time.
Perfect for busy weeknights, welcoming potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this ham and potato casserole effortlessly combines simplicity with irresistible taste. The creamy texture, coupled with the savory notes of ham and the comforting goodness of potatoes, makes it a dish that everyone will love. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences, making it a truly versatile addition to your recipe collection.
After the holidays, many of us find ourselves with a substantial amount of leftover ham. While a classic Baked Ham is always a hit, the challenge often lies in finding exciting new dishes for the remnants. As much as I appreciate a good Split Pea Soup, sometimes you just need to switch things up. This casserole does exactly that! It reimagines your leftover ham into a comforting, hearty, and undeniably delicious meal that feels entirely fresh.
Whether you’re repurposing holiday ham or simply picking up a ham steak from the grocery store, this casserole recipe offers a convenient and delightful solution for any night of the week. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a staple in many households.
Why This Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Will Become a Family Favorite
There are countless reasons why this ham and potato casserole stands out as a must-try recipe. It embodies everything you want in a comforting meal: flavor, ease, and adaptability.
- Effortlessly Easy – Holidays are often followed by a desire for simplicity in the kitchen. This casserole delivers just that. It’s designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal effort. With a few smart shortcuts and tips (which we’ll share below), you can prepare this dish in as little as 5 minutes of active work, making it perfect for those post-holiday fatigue moments or any busy weeknight. No complicated techniques or endless chopping required – just simple assembly for maximum flavor.
- Incredibly Versatile – While this recipe shines as a way to use up leftover ham, its versatility truly makes it exceptional. Don’t have ham? No problem! It’s equally delicious with other cooked meats like leftover roasted turkey, shredded chicken, or even cooked sausage. Beyond the protein, you can experiment with different types of cheese – Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste. Feel free to add various spices, herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce to tailor the flavor profile to your family’s liking. This dish is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Ultimate Comfort Food – Is there anything more comforting than a warm, hearty, creamy, and cheesy dinner? This casserole ticks all the boxes. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, making it ideal for chilly evenings or simply when you need a little pick-me-up. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, providing easy and delicious lunches for the days to follow, ensuring that the comfort extends beyond the initial meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ham & Potato Casserole
For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
Crafting the perfect Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Potatoes – Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this casserole. Their high starch content helps them hold their shape well during baking, ensuring they become tender and creamy without turning mushy. You can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly richer, butterier flavor, or even red potatoes for a different texture.
- Diced Ham – This is your star ingredient for using up those holiday leftovers. If you don’t have any, a ham steak from the grocery store or pre-diced cooked ham works perfectly. Ensure it’s fully cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Onion – A finely chopped yellow onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor that complements the ham and potatoes beautifully. It softens and sweetens as it bakes, integrating seamlessly into the dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This classic pantry staple provides the creamy base for our casserole sauce, ensuring a rich and cohesive texture. It’s a convenient shortcut that adds depth of flavor.
- Milk – Any variety of milk will work, from skim to whole. For an extra rich and decadent casserole, opt for whole milk or even half-and-half. The higher fat content contributes to a creamier sauce.
- Sour Cream – Adds a delightful tang and helps to thicken the sauce, contributing to its luxurious creaminess. Full-fat sour cream will yield the richest results, but a light version can be used if preferred.
- All-Purpose Flour – Used as a thickening agent to ensure our sauce is perfectly velvety and not watery. It helps create that desirable gooey, cheesy consistency.
- Butter – Melted butter is incorporated into the sauce mixture, enhancing the overall richness and flavor, and contributing to a smooth texture.
- Garlic Powder – A pantry essential that provides a warm, aromatic depth to the casserole without the need for mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder – Complements the fresh onion, adding another layer of savory flavor and ensuring it’s distributed throughout the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste, remembering that ham can be quite salty.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp or mild cheddar, freshly shredded, melts beautifully and creates that irresistible golden, bubbly topping. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.
Creative Additions & Flavor Variations for Your Casserole
One of the joys of making this Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is its incredible flexibility. You can easily customize it with additional ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or to simply use up what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!
- Extra Vegetables – This casserole is a fantastic vehicle for sneaking in more veggies. Consider adding chopped broccoli florets, diced bell peppers (any color for a pop of color and flavor), sweet peas, or even sliced mushrooms. For firmer vegetables like broccoli or carrots, you might want to lightly steam or sauté them beforehand to ensure they cook through evenly in the casserole. Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also transforms it into a more complete, one-dish meal.
- Alternate Proteins – While ham is traditional, feel free to swap it out or augment it with other proteins. Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top before serving or mixed in with the ham adds another layer of smoky flavor. Cooked and shredded chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives, especially if you have leftover roast poultry. You could even use pulled pork for a unique twist. The beauty of potatoes and cheese is that they pair well with almost any savory protein!
- Enhanced Seasonings – To elevate the flavor profile, consider boosting the seasonings. A packet of Ranch Dressing Mix (or a tablespoon of homemade ranch seasoning) can add a zesty, herbaceous kick. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes will provide a subtle warmth. If you’re feeling adventurous, finely chopped fresh jalapeños, sautéed with the onion, will infuse the dish with a vibrant, spicy punch. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can also be stirred into the sauce or sprinkled over the top for a fresh finish.
- Different Cheeses – Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or a blend of Italian cheeses can offer different melting properties and flavor nuances. For an extra rich and nutty flavor, try adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Crispy Topping – For an irresistible crunch, consider adding a crispy topping. Crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter, or even crushed cornflakes can create a delightful textural contrast. Sprinkle your chosen topping over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, after removing the foil.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Ham & Potato Casserole
Preparing this delicious ham and potato casserole is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these easy steps to create a hearty and satisfying meal:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven. First, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. This is a crucial first step for any casserole.
- Layer the Base Ingredients. Evenly spread your peeled and diced potatoes, diced ham, and finely chopped onions across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Aim for an even layer so all ingredients cook uniformly and every spoonful offers a balanced bite.
- Whip Up the Creamy Sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, all-purpose flour, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is the heart of your casserole’s creamy texture and flavor.
- Pour and Top with Cheese. Carefully pour the whisked soup mixture over the layered potatoes, ham, and onions in the baking dish. Gently spread it to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly covered, allowing the flavors to meld during baking. Then, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce-covered layers.
- Initial Bake (Covered). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Covering the casserole helps to steam the potatoes, ensuring they become perfectly tender before the cheese on top has a chance to burn.
- Final Bake (Uncovered). After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest and Serve. Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Let the casserole cool and rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the casserole holds its shape when served.
Pro Tips & Expert Suggestions for the Best Casserole
To ensure your Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and suggestions:
- Potato Preparation. While dicing Russets is recommended, you can certainly change up your potato presentation. For a different texture, try thinly slicing the potatoes with a mandoline; they will cook in roughly the same amount of time. If you’re really short on time or looking for an extra shortcut, frozen hash browns can be used. Thaw them slightly before layering to prevent excess moisture. Pre-cooking your potatoes for 5-7 minutes (boiling or steaming) can also reduce baking time and ensure they are extra tender, but it’s not strictly necessary with the covered baking method.
- Irresistible Crispy Topping. Elevate your casserole game by adding a crispy topping! A crunchy layer adds a fantastic textural contrast to the creamy interior. You can achieve this by sprinkling a generous amount of breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully for extra crispiness), crushed crackers (like Ritz crackers for a buttery flavor), or even crumbled, cooked bacon over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. For extra golden results, toss breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Alternative Soup Base. If you’re not a fan of canned cream soups or prefer a homemade touch, you can absolutely make this recipe without it. To maintain the creamy texture, I recommend increasing the sour cream by an extra 1/2 cup, or using an additional 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream along with a tablespoon more of flour to create a thicker, homemade roux base. You can also make a simple white sauce (Béchamel) by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk and cooking until thickened, seasoning to taste.
- Preventing a Watery Casserole. To avoid a watery casserole, especially if using frozen vegetables, ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding them. Also, avoid over-crowding the dish with too many extra ingredients, as this can release excess moisture.
- Make Ahead Option. This casserole can be assembled a day in advance! Simply prepare up to the point of baking (before adding the final cheese layer), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the casserole being cold, then proceed with the uncovered baking and final cheese layer.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Ham Casserole
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, easily serving as a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or add some fresh elements, here are a few favorite side dishes that complement its rich flavors beautifully:
- Fresh Tossed Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness. The acidity helps cut through the creamy cheese.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple and elegant, roasted asparagus provides a tender-crisp texture and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with ham and potatoes.
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits: These soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce or simply enjoying alongside the main dish.
- Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Roasting green beans with garlic adds a savory, slightly charred flavor and a pleasant crunch, balancing the casserole’s texture.
- Steamed Carrots: Sweet, tender steamed carrots offer a pop of color and natural sweetness, providing a simple yet effective side.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is always a good idea for soaking up the delicious, cheesy sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is excellent for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for days to come. Proper storage ensures its deliciousness lasts!
Refrigeration: Any leftover ham casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat individual portions, the microwave works well. For larger amounts, place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and bubbly. You might want to add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: This casserole is also a fantastic candidate for freezing, making it perfect for future quick meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. Then, transfer portions to freezer-safe bags or smaller airtight containers. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bags to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven (covered with foil) at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
More Delightful Leftover Ham Dinner Recipes
If you’re still looking for more innovative ways to use up that delicious leftover ham, here are some other fantastic dinner recipes that transform it into a brand new meal:
- Ham & Cheese Sliders: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal, perfect for parties or a quick bite.
- Ham & Cheese Tortellini: A rich and comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly.
- Creamy Spring Gnocchi: While not strictly ham-focused, it’s easily adaptable to include diced ham for a hearty meal.
- Ham & Cheese Biscuits: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
- Ham & Bean Soup: A classic, wholesome soup that’s incredibly satisfying, especially on a cold day.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: Replace the chicken with ham, or add ham alongside chicken, for a delicious and cheesy pasta dish inspired by the classic.
Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 10 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º F. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray
- Layer diced potatoes, ham and onions evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.4 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes, 2 cups diced ham, 1 cup yellow onion
- In a bowl whisk together soup, milk, sour cream, flour, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture evenly over the potatoes, making sure that everything is evenly covered.10 oz cream of chicken soup, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover with foil3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake for about 40 minutes
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 5-10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted, it is hot and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, for it to set up a little before serving
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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