If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the creamy richness of potatoes with the savory goodness of ham, this Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a soul-soothing dish loaded with tender potatoes, flavorful ham, and a luscious cheese topping that bakes into golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying dinner, this casserole is both simple and impressive, guaranteed to become a weeknight staple or a special occasion favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and comforting textures. Each element plays an important role, from the creamy sauce to the robust cheese topping.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Provides a rich base to sauté the onion and adds depth to the sauce.
- Yellow onion (1, finely diced): Adds sweetness and subtle sharpness to balance the dish’s richness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency that evenly coats the potatoes and ham.
- Whole milk (1¼ cups): Gives the casserole its creamy texture; half-and-half is a richer alternative.
- Chicken stock (½ cup): Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Fine sea salt (½ tsp): Elevates all the flavors harmoniously.
- Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): A fragrant seasoning that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
- Russet potatoes (2 lbs, peeled and diced small): The sturdy base, they become tender and soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Diced cooked ham (2½ cups): The star protein, providing a salty, smoky bite; you can substitute precooked chicken or turkey if preferred.
- Freshly shredded white cheddar cheese (4 oz): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that brings the whole casserole together.
How to Make Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This heat is perfect for cooking the potatoes until tender while melting the cheese just right. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your finely diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft. This step releases their natural sweetness, building a flavorful foundation for your sauce that will perfectly complement the ham and potatoes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your softened onions and stir well to combine, cooking out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken stock, then season with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Keep stirring until the sauce is warmed through and thickened, ready to embrace the hearty ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the diced ham evenly on top then pour your warm milk mixture over everything, allowing it to fill the crevices and soak the potatoes perfectly for moist, flavorful results.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your dish to trap steam and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. This ensures the potatoes cook through and become tender without drying out, while the ham infuses the casserole with its rich, savory essence.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust that is irresistible the moment it comes out of the oven.
How to Serve Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright, fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the casserole’s creamy richness. A light sprinkle of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper on top can also add a pop of color and subtle flavor accents.
Side Dishes
This casserole makes a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to lighten the plate and add texture. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad brings freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in rustic individual ramekins for a charming dinner presentation or layer it in a clear glass baking dish so everyone can admire the creamy, cheesy layers before digging in. For casual gatherings, it’s delightful served family-style straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, often making the next day’s servings even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. To refresh the cheese topping’s crispness, uncover the last 5 minutes of heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While white cheddar provides a sharp, classic flavor, you can swap in Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
What is the best potato to use for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal since they hold their shape well and become tender without turning mushy. Yukon Gold can also work if you prefer a creamier texture and slightly buttery flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked lentils to maintain substance and flavor.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture and classic presentation, but if you like a bit of rustic charm and extra nutrients, leaving the skins on after a thorough wash works beautifully too.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mildly seasoned with black pepper and garlic powder, making it very approachable for those who prefer gentle flavors. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you want a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe is a true comfort food champion, blending creamy textures, savory ham, and melty cheese into a satisfying dish you will want to make again and again. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this warm, filling casserole as much as I do – it’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate.
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Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Ham and Potato Casserole combines tender diced russet potatoes and savory diced ham in a creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this hearty casserole features a rich blend of milk, chicken stock, and cheddar cheese that creates a deliciously creamy texture, topped with melted cheese for that irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 2 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced small)
- 2½ cups diced cooked ham (precooked chicken or turkey also works)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken stock (or chicken broth)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 4 oz. freshly shredded white cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Cook Onions: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the onions without browning.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and stir well to combine, forming a roux. Gradually add the milk and chicken stock, stirring constantly. Add sea salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to stir and heat until the sauce is warmed through and thickened, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the diced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the diced ham evenly over the potatoes. Pour the warm milk and onion sauce mixture over the ham and potatoes to coat them thoroughly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the cover. Evenly sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or cream for the whole milk.
- Precooked chicken or turkey can be used as a ham substitute to vary protein options.
- Use a sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor.
- If potatoes aren’t soft after baking, cover again and bake an additional 10 minutes, checking periodically.
- Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
