Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food

Are you looking for a quick and substantial comfort dish? This Ham and Potato Casserole strikes all the proper notes. Perfect for dinner or breakfast, this family-favorite meal has layers of soft potatoes, flavorful chopped ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This dish provides maximum taste and requires little work, whether you buy fresh ham or reuse leftovers. Perfect for potlucks, dinner prep, or laid-back evenings in, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something unique. Let’s go right to making it.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Casserole

There are plenty of grounds to develop feelings for this meal! First of all, it’s the definition of comfort food—loaded with rich potatoes, creamy cheese, and flavorful ham—highly fulfilling. Budget-wise and waste-free, it’s also a fantastic way to use leftover holiday ham.

You’ll value its adaptability—serve it as a main evening meal, a side at brunch, or as a morning bake with an egg on top. With a golden, cheesy exterior and staying juicy and savory inside, the dish bakes exquisitely. It also reheats nicely; hence, leftovers—should they exist—are just as good.

This dish hits all the boxes: simple, comfortable, and full of flavor, whether you’re feeding a party or simply want something you can depend on for a night-fall victory.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Ham and Potato Casserole, here’s what you’ll need and why:

• 4 cups diced potatoes – Use russet or Yukon gold for the best texture and creaminess.
• 2 cups cooked diced ham – Smoked or baked ham adds deep flavor and protein.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds savory depth and balances the richness.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang and melts beautifully.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and body to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and slightly tangy.
• 1/2 cup milk – Helps blend the ingredients and keeps the casserole moist.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds subtle flavor without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Balances the creamy ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 1.5mg

Recipe Tips: Get It Just Right

1. Use cooked potatoes for a faster bake time and even texture. Parboil or microwave diced potatoes before assembling.
2. Shred your own cheese for better meltability and fewer preservatives than pre-shredded.
3. Add veggies like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
4. Try a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch—mix breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle before baking.
5. Let it rest after baking for 5–10 minutes to help it set and slice cleaner.

Make-Ahead Tips (Perfect for Busy Schedules)

Made ahead, this dish is a great dinner. The meal may be totally assembled 24 hours ahead. Just chill it closely covered with foil or plastic wrap. Let it remain at room temperature for around twenty minutes when it’s ready to bake while the oven preheats.

Then bake as instructed; if it’s still cold, notice it can require an additional 5–10 minutes. As another option, bake it completely, let it cool, then chill it. Reheat single servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (ca. 177 °C) oven, covered with foil, until cooked through. It freezes very nicely; wrap firmly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; then, reheat.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Casserole

To elevate your casserole game, keep these expert tips in mind:

First, consistency is really crucial. Cut the ham and potatoes into consistent bits so they cook through equally. If you have little time for baking, parboil undercooked or mushy potatoes to damage the meal. If you’re using raw potatoes, cut them little and let the baking time run longer.

Second, never miss the seasoning. Seasoning your creamy foundation with garlic powder, pepper, and a bit of salt is crucial even with delicious ham and cheese. For a taste kick without altering the whole meal, you may simply sprinkle a bit of paprika or spicy sauce.

At last, layer carefully. Though you should save some cheese for a bubbly, golden ending, thoroughly mix the components. Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover for a crispy top if your oven often browns items rapidly.

Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced potatoes (parboiled or raw)
• 2 cups cooked diced ham
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, ham, onion, 1 1/2 cups cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
3. Stir until well mixed, then pour into prepared dish.
4. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Ham and Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of simple, satisfying, and scrumptious. Whether you’re serving it to a hungry family on a weeknight, bringing it to a potluck, or prepping ahead for a busy week, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Packed with flavor, easy to customize, and wonderfully comforting, it’s a dish that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness in every bite!