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Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (191°C).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.