Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and Potato Casserole

This Ham and Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy classic made with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or serving as a hearty weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
  5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
  6. Top with half of the diced ham and half of the chopped onion.
  7. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layer.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender potatoes and savory ham, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or making the most of leftover ham after the holidays.

Recipe Notes

  • Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Leftover baked ham works wonderfully in this recipe.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, sauté the onions before layering.
  • Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra vegetables.
  • Cover the casserole while baking to keep the potatoes moist.
  • Let the casserole rest before slicing so it holds together better.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garden salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Garlic bread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Cranberry sauce

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 465
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 860mg

Benefits

  • Excellent way to use leftover ham.
  • Rich in protein and calcium.
  • Filling, comforting, and family-friendly.
  • Easy to prepare ahead for busy evenings.
  • Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use frozen diced potatoes?

Yes. Thaw and pat them dry before assembling for the best texture.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère are delicious alternatives.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or corn all make great additions.

How do I know when it’s done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cheese should be hot, bubbly, and lightly golde

Leave a Comment