Quick Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Comfort arrives with this hearty ham and potato casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

Layers of creamy potatoes intertwine with salty meat pieces creating a symphony of flavors.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through each carefully assembled ingredient.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals like this classic combination.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across tender potato slices, binding everything together with delicious magic.

Weekends or busy evenings call for minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want seconds of this incredibly satisfying dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Dig into this comforting masterpiece and let deliciousness embrace you completely.

Ham and Potato Casserole That’s Creamy and Filling

• Whip Up Comfort: Reasons to Love This Ham and Potato Casserole
• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ham for chicken, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to personalize the dish without complicated technique, ensuring everyone's taste preferences are satisfied.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Packed with affordable staples like potatoes, ham, and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, stretching your grocery budget beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Its creamy texture, golden cheese topping, and satisfying layers make this casserole a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners, pleasing both kids and adults with its comforting appeal.

Ham and Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Potatoes: Hearty base of the casserole, choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for best texture and hold their shape well.
• Ham: Protein-rich meat that adds savory flavor, opt for pre-cooked ham for convenience and easier preparation.

• Butter: Creates smooth roux and adds rich flavor, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides creamy consistency, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Milk: Provides liquid base for creamy sauce, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds melty, tangy flavor, sharp cheddar or mild cheddar both work well.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle background flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Provides mild onion taste throughout the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden top layer for additional texture, can be traditional or panko style.

Ham and Potato Casserole Oven Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Magical Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk like a pro for one minute to create a smooth base.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Magic

Slowly pour in milk while whisking.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a thick, bubbly wonderland (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Pull the saucepan off the heat.

Stir in shredded cheese until it melts into a silky, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Layer Your Casserole Masterpiece

In the prepared baking dish, create delicious layers:

• Half of the sliced potatoes
• Half of the diced ham
• Half of the chopped onion
• Half of the cheese sauce

Repeat with the remaining ingredients for a second layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Add the Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

If you’re feeling fancy, add a light dusting of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Then unveil by removing the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for golden, bubbly top and tender potatoes.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Give your casserole a quick 5-minute breather before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Baking Advice For Ham And Potato Casserole

• Cut potatoes into even, thin slices to ensure consistent cooking and a beautiful layered appearance in the casserole.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before assembling the casserole.
• Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère to add complexity and richness to the sauce.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Replace ham with cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or vegetarian alternatives like plant-based protein crumbles for varied dietary preferences.

Store Ham and Potato Casserole Properly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming too dry.

Hearty Picks for Ham Potato Casserole

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and refresh the palate.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy potato dish.
• Match with Tangy Pickles: Serve crunchy dill pickles or pickled vegetables on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the smooth, cheesy casserole.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty French bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add textural variety to the meal.

Ham and Potato Casserole Bake Styles

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ham with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Casserole: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate option. Keep cheese sauce and seasonings the same for similar taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for ham if I don't have it?

Cooked bacon, chicken, or turkey work great as alternatives. You can also make this a vegetarian dish by using mushrooms or extra vegetables.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin, about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain a nice texture throughout the casserole.

Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and potato casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory meat with creamy potato layers. Cheesy, golden-brown edges promise a delicious meal that welcomes you home with warmth and rich, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 2 cups milk

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven, creating an ideal environment for crafting a comforting ham and potato casserole. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Construct a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce flour and whisk vigorously, creating a smooth roux that will serve as the foundation for the creamy mixture.
3. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, stirring continuously to eliminate any potential lumps. Infuse the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, transforming it into a fragrant and seasoned base.
4. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and begins to bubble, indicating the perfect consistency. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese, creating a luxurious, silky sauce that will bind the casserole ingredients.
5. Assemble the casserole in strategic layers: spread a foundation of sliced potatoes, followed by a generous scattering of diced ham and chopped onions. Drizzle half the cheese sauce over this initial layer, ensuring even coverage.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce, making sure every ingredient is lovingly coated and distributed.
7. Enhance the casserole’s visual appeal and texture by sprinkling the remaining cheese across the top. If desired, dust with breadcrumbs for an additional crispy dimension.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and the flavors to meld. Remove the foil during the final baking stage to achieve a golden, bubbly surface.
9. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the ingredients settle and the flavors intensify before serving this comforting dish.

Notes

• Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to boost nutritional value and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce cheese and use low-fat milk to create a lighter version without compromising flavor intensity.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and increased nutritional complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg