Potato and Ham Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Potato and Ham Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck with friends. The combination of creamy potatoes, rich ham, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering casserole that’s hard to resist.

What makes this casserole even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the flavors to suit your tastes. Whether you choose to add extra veggies, use a different type of cheese, or make it spicier, Potato and Ham Casserole is a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Potato and Ham Casserole

• Hearty and Comforting: The combination of tender potatoes and savory ham in a rich, cheesy sauce makes for the ultimate comfort food. This casserole is filling and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The creamy sauce, made with sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and melted cheese, envelops each potato slice and bit of ham, creating a velvety texture that’s irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and some leftover ham, you can prepare a delicious casserole that’s quick and easy to make. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday dinner or special occasion.
• Customizable: While this recipe is already delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add extra veggies, change the type of cheese, or throw in some herbs and spices to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday meal, or a gathering with friends, Potato and Ham Casserole is always a hit. It’s a dish that everyone will love, no matter the occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Potato and Ham Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover ham works great)
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced (about 4 large potatoes)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work well for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into thin, even slices—about ¼-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the faster the potatoes will cook, and they’ll have a better texture in the casserole. You can also use a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness for all the potato slices.

Once the potatoes are sliced, place them in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm. You don’t want to fully cook the potatoes at this stage, just par-cook them to ensure they’ll finish cooking evenly in the casserole.

Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Ham

If you have leftover ham, that’s perfect! Just dice it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are small enough to distribute evenly throughout the casserole. If you’re starting with fresh ham, you’ll need to cook and chop it beforehand. The ham will give the casserole its savory, salty flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy potatoes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This sauce will serve as the base that binds the potatoes and ham together while providing that rich, creamy texture.

You can taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like it a bit more tangy, you can add a little extra sour cream, or if you prefer a more garlicky flavor, a pinch of garlic powder will do the trick.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Layer the cooked and drained potato slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Once the potatoes are in place, sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Next, pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the potatoes and ham, making sure it covers everything. Repeat the process by adding another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining ham, and then the remaining sauce.

Finally, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce, creating a gooey and delicious layer.

5. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter. The butter helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up in the oven, giving the casserole a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole, covering the cheese layer completely.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. You can check the casserole by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be easily pierced when cooked through.

If the breadcrumb topping is getting too dark before the casserole is done, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until it’s fully cooked.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the casserole as a main dish or alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Potato and Ham Casserole

• Par-Cook the Potatoes: Don’t skip the step of par-cooking the potatoes. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly in the casserole without becoming mushy. It also allows the casserole to bake faster.
• Use Leftover Ham: This is the perfect dish to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal or special occasion. If you don’t have leftovers, you can purchase pre-cooked ham or cook a small ham and dice it up.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can switch it up by using your favorite cheese. Gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese can give the casserole a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to boost the nutrition of this dish, consider adding some vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or peas work well and add color and texture to the casserole.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Variations of Potato and Ham Casserole

• Cheesy Bacon Potato and Ham Casserole: Add crispy bacon pieces to the casserole for an extra burst of flavor. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the ham and potatoes.
• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add some veggie sausage or plant-based ham for a meatless alternative.
• Spicy Potato and Ham Casserole: Add some heat by mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. This will give the casserole a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes.
• Loaded Potato and Ham Casserole: Make this casserole even more decadent by adding sour cream, green onions, and a handful of shredded cheese as additional toppings before baking.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover Potato and Ham Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you have a large amount of leftovers, you may want to reheat individual portions in the microwave to prevent the casserole from drying out.

For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen. After baking and cooling, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Potato and Ham Casserole

Pair this hearty casserole with complementary sides to create a balanced meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve the casserole with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots. The vegetables add color and a healthy balance to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce from the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower make a great side dish to round out the meal.

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Conclusion

Potato and Ham Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using leftover ham or making it from scratch, this casserole is easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with delicious flavors. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this casserole—it’s the perfect meal for any time of year!