If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to this Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a rich, creamy, and savory combination that brings together tender potatoes, smoky ham, and melty sharp cheddar in one bubbling dish that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Comfort: Warm, cheesy layers with savory ham create a cozy and satisfying dish perfect for any season.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together in no time for a homemade classic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Hearty enough for family dinners yet elegant enough for gatherings and potlucks.
- Versatility: Easily customized to add your favorite herbs, spices, and extras for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this hearty casserole? It’s all about simple, quality ingredients that shine individually and harmonize beautifully. Each one enhances the dish’s texture, flavor, and aroma — from luscious butter and sharp cheddar to perfectly cooked potatoes and smoky ham.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices as they hold their shape and become creamy without turning to mush.
- Cubed Ham: Adds a wonderful smoky, meaty flavor and a bit of protein to make it a full meal.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness cuts through the creaminess, creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for cooking the onions and forming the base of the sauce to keep flavors balanced.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that infuse the sauce with savory depth and sweetness.
- Seasonings: Salt, fresh ground pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and parsley add warmth and complexity.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the potatoes and ham.
- Whole Milk: Creates a creamy, luscious base for the cheesy sauce that ties everything together.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
The beauty of this Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or pantry availability. Whether you want to make it a little lighter, add more veggies, or boost that cheesy factor, the possibilities are endless!
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and vibrant color.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to mix up the cheese with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a bit of spicy Pepper Jack for extra kick.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter and milk with vegan alternatives, and use dairy-free cheese for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle but lively heat.
How to Make Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into roughly 3/4-inch pieces. Boil them just until tender but still firm — about 5 to 6 minutes. This ensures they’ll stay intact yet absorb all those delicious flavors in the casserole.
Step 2: Combine Potatoes, Ham, and Cheese
After draining the potatoes, toss them gently with your cubed ham and about two-thirds of your shredded sharp white cheddar in a greased baking dish. This step preps your base for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt butter over medium heat and cook the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then, stir in the seasonings and flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened, tasting and adjusting the seasoning. This sauce is what turns the casserole into a cheesy, dreamy delight.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the warm sauce over the potato and ham mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then unveil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake another 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onion, chives, or even a dash of hot sauce for an added zing. This finishing touch brightens the dish and adds a pop of color that’s as appetizing as the flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Slightly undercooked is perfect so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- Use Sharp Cheese: The bite from sharp white cheddar balances the richness of the sauce and ham beautifully.
- Gentle Tossing: Be delicate when mixing ingredients to keep potato chunks intact and avoid mashing.
- Cover the Dish While Baking: Keeps the moisture in and ensures creamy sauce rather than drying out the top.
How to Serve Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions are perfect to brighten up each cheesy bite, adding color and a fresh aroma. A sprinkle of chives or a drizzle of hot sauce can also deliver a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside steamed green beans or garlic butter asparagus for that added freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this dish in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes for a pretty presentation that shows off its golden, cheesy layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly and keep refrigerated for up to one week. This casserole reheats beautifully—just be sure to heat it thoroughly to enjoy that creamy texture again.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save extra portions, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the cheesy topping from drying out or hardening.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen potatoes if needed. Just thaw and pat them dry well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
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What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp white cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor and excellent melting properties. However, you can blend in cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
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Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based protein to keep it hearty and satisfying.
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Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic—easy to make, full of flavor, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, it’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and satisfies your soul. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintCheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender potatoes, flavorful cubed ham, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, it combines classic ingredients for a tasty and satisfying meal. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a bubbly, golden top layer of melted cheese with a rich savory gravy underneath.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes & Ham
- 2 pounds (about 915g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
- 2 cups (about 300g or 8 ounces) cubed ham
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150g or 5.25 ounces) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 a large onion)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley)
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Green onion
- Chives
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 3/4-inch pieces. Place them in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then boil the potatoes for 5–6 minutes until they are slightly softened but not fully tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
- Combine Potatoes, Ham, and Cheese: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or any 3–4-quart oven-safe casserole dish. Add the warm, drained potatoes along with the cubed ham and 1 cup (approximately 100g) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss these ingredients to mix evenly and then set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (191°C).
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onions soften. Stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, parsley, and flour until everything is well combined and the flour absorbs any moisture. Lower the heat to low and gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened to a gravy-like consistency. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
- Combine Sauce with Potato Mixture: Pour the warm cheese sauce over the potato, ham, and cheese mixture in the casserole dish. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onion, chives, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a flavorful finish.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to one week. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, but other starchy potatoes will also work.
- Do not overcook the potatoes when boiling, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Adjust seasonings in the cheese sauce according to your taste preference.
- Use sharp white cheddar cheese for the best flavor, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses if desired.
- Optional garnishes like fresh herbs or hot sauce add brightness and extra flavor to the dish.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time, making it great for meal prep or entertaining.
