This Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe is every bit as comforting as it sounds! If you’ve ever had a long day and craved some home-cooked goodness, this dish is your answer. Picture layers of tender potatoes mixed with savory ham, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a dish! You might be wondering why this recipe stands out among the crowded world of casseroles. Well, it strikes a perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and hearty, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover ham you have lying around after the holidays. So roll up your sleeves and join me in whipping up this delightful casserole that everyone will love!

Why This Recipe Works

This Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe combines the creaminess of a cheese sauce with tender potatoes and savory ham. The precise layering of flavors creates a satisfying dish that appeals to the whole family. Each bite is packed with warmth and comfort, making it a great option for chilly evenings or gatherings. When you combine fresh ingredients with a cheesy sauce, you create a classic that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe

Not only does this casserole offer a delicious way to use up leftover ham, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and it fits in perfectly at gatherings or cozy nights in. The balance of textures—creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and the slight chewiness of ham—makes every bite a delight. And let’s not forget about the melted cheese on top! It’s a winner on any table and will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Ham & Potato Casserole

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds (about 915g) potatoes (recommended: Russet or Yukon Gold)
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
3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of 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 for garnish: chopped fresh parsley, green onion, chives, or hot sauce

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Potatoes

First things first—peel your potatoes and cut them into roughly 3/4-inch pieces, which should leave you with about 6 cups. To get that beautiful texture, cover them with water in a medium pot and bring it to a boil. Let them boil for about 5–6 minutes until they’re slightly softened, then drain and set aside.

Combine Ham and Cheese

Next, grab a 9×13-inch or 3–4-quart oven-safe dish and grease it well. Now, add your warm drained potatoes, cubed ham, and 1 cup (about 100g) of shredded cheese to the dish. Gently toss everything together, ensuring it’s mixed but still in its lovely layered form.

Make the Sauce

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, parsley, and flour until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the milk, simmering for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.

Combine Sauce and Casserole

Pour your warm sauce over the mixture of ham and potatoes in the dish. Be gentle as you toss everything together to ensure every delicious bit is evenly coated with the sauce.

Bake the Casserole

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. Once the time’s up, remove the foil and add the remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.

Garnish and Serve

When it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and give it a moment to cool. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, chives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a cozy dinner.

Tips for Success

Be cautious when boiling the potatoes; you want them slightly undercooked to maintain a good texture in the casserole.
Feel free to mix it up! Different cheese varieties, like gouda or pepper jack, can really elevate the flavor.

Variations

For a festive twist, swap out the ham for leftover turkey.
Toss in some veggies like broccoli or spinach to add color and nutrition to the dish.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though they may be hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For reheating, just cover with aluminum foil and place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
Yes! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can be a great shortcut; just be mindful of the cooking time.

What other meats can I use in this recipe?
Besides ham, you can use cooked chicken or even crispy bacon to change things up.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Feel free to assemble everything a day in advance and bake it the next day for convenience.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Just store it in a suitable freezer-safe container for later enjoyment.

Gather your family around the table with this delightful Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe. The comforting blend of flavors and textures creates memorable meals worth sharing. Easy preparation and satisfying results make this dish a cherished favorite in any household. Enjoy!