Savory Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Meals

Comfort radiates through this hearty ham and potato casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Kitchens across the country cherish such classic dishes that bring people together.

Layers of creamy potatoes intermingle with savory ham chunks, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Cheese melts into golden pools, providing a rich backdrop for this homestyle favorite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals that fill hungry bellies and spark conversation.

Cold evenings call for something substantial and nurturing like this comforting casserole.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Why Ham And Potato Casserole Is So Filling And Easy

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty ham and potato casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, ham, and potatoes, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily adaptable for different taste preferences, this casserole works wonderfully as a main dish or side, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties.
• Stress-Free Cooking Experience: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels, transforming dinner preparation into an enjoyable and relaxed culinary adventure.

What You’ll Need For Ham And Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides substance and starchiness, best when using waxy or all-purpose varieties like Yukon Gold.
• Ham: Protein-rich meat adding savory flavor, choose high-quality smoked or honey-cured ham for best taste.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy foundation creating rich sauce, whole milk ensures smooth texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Melty cheeses providing depth and classic comfort food flavor, sharp cheddar recommended.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth cheese sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic seasonings enhancing overall dish flavor profile.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping for added texture and golden finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for color and light herb notes.

How To Make Ham And Potato Casserole At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or rub it down with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Milk
• Heavy cream

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Mix until everything becomes a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Build Your Layers of Deliciousness

• Spreading half the sliced potatoes across the bottom
• Scattering half the ham pieces
• Drizzling half the cheese sauce

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, creating a mouth-watering tower of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Crowning Glory

Shower the top with the remaining cheddar cheese. For an extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that promises deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the casserole to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes. Scatter some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

Tips To Improve Ham And Potato Casserole

• Boost Potato Softness: Par-boil sliced potatoes for 3-4 minutes before layering to ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly tender throughout the casserole.
• Create Flavor Depth: Swap regular ham with smoked ham or pancetta to add a more complex, rich taste that elevates the entire dish's profile.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk and use gluten-free flour for a lactose-free and gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Maximize Cheese Melt: Allow cheese sauce to cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats every potato slice.
• Add Vegetable Nutrition: Mix in chopped spinach or diced bell peppers between potato layers to increase vegetable intake and introduce additional nutrients and color to the casserole.

Best Way To Store Ham And Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze the casserole for maximum 3 months by cooling completely, then storing in a freezer-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the potatoes and ham.

What Works Well With Ham And Potato Casserole

• Enhance Creamy Comfort: Pair this hearty ham and potato casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add freshness.
• Complement Cheesy Goodness: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light wheat beer, which will balance the casserole's creamy texture and savory ham flavors.
• Boost Flavor Contrast: Add roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to introduce a bright, slightly crunchy vegetable element that complements the creamy, soft casserole.
• Round Out the Meal: Finish with a light lemon sorbet or apple tart to provide a sweet, tangy ending that cleanses the palate after the rich, cheesy dish.

Fun Twists On Ham And Potato Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Replace ham with spicy chorizo sausage and add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and Mexican blend cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap ham for crumbled feta cheese, add chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, and Greek seasoning to transform the casserole into a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Substitute ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of milk for a hearty plant-based version.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Replace ham with crispy bacon pieces, mix in caramelized onions, and top with extra sharp cheddar for an intense smoky and rich casserole experience.

Answers About Ham And Potato Casserole

• What makes the cheese sauce so creamy and delicious?

The secret is using a combination of milk and heavy cream, which creates a rich base. Slowly whisking the dairy into the roux (butter, flour, and onions) helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, you can experiment with gruyère, Swiss, or monterey jack. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well and complement the ham’s savory flavor.

• Is this casserole good for making ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Try adding some frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach between the potato layers. This boosts the nutritional value and adds extra color and flavor to the classic ham and potato casserole.

Ham And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Midwestern ham and potato casserole brings pure comfort to dinner tables with its creamy layers of savory goodness. Cheese-topped and golden-brown, you’ll savor each satisfying bite of this classic family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning and Topping:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of butter or nonstick spray. Heat the oven to a robust 375F (190C), ensuring a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Craft the luxurious cheese sauce by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan. Introduce diced onions and allow them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring until fragrant. Dust the mixture with flour, continuously whisking to create a golden roux. Gradually stream in milk and heavy cream, watching the sauce transform and thicken. Remove from heat and fold in a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until silky smooth.
3. Layer the casserole foundation by creating an even spread of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared dish. Distribute a generous portion of diced ham over the potatoes. Pour half the cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce.
4. Enhance the casserole’s visual and textural appeal by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese across the surface. For added crunch, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the top.
5. Protect the developing dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil to allow the surface to golden and crisp for an additional 15-20 minutes.
6. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, transforming the dish into a vibrant, inviting meal ready to be savored.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, hearty results.
• Use leftover holiday ham or thick-cut deli ham for maximum flavor and convenience.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cheese varieties.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg