Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

Are you staring at leftover ham and pondering how to elevate it beyond mundane sandwiches? Look no further than this delectable Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole that will breathe new life into your Easter leftovers. Picture creamy layers of Yukon or russet potatoes, diced ham, and a melty cheddar cheese sensation that will have your family coming back for seconds. This one-dish wonder has become a beloved post-holiday tradition in our home, and it’s bound to become a staple in yours too.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as this cheesy masterpiece bakes to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s both comforting and enticing. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without the stress, this casserole has earned rave reviews even from the toughest culinary critics. With a touch of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, and a dash of love, you’ll have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Don’t let your Easter ham go to waste or fall into a dinner rut – whip up this Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole and watch as it becomes a star on your dining table. Versatile enough to accommodate your favorite veggies or cheeses, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Embrace the warmth and heartiness of this dish, and get ready to create new family memories centered around this flavorful comfort food favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Great for using up leftover ham: Perfect way to repurpose leftover Easter ham or any cooked ham you have on hand.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adaptable with additional vegetables, herbs, or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
• Convenient and make-ahead: Keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
• Comforting and satisfying: Hearty and flavorful casserole that can be a complete meal on its own, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake Recipe

• Perfect for Leftover Ham: A great way to use up leftover Easter ham without making sandwiches for the fourth day in a row.
• Comfort Food Casserole: Transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously comforting one-dish meal.
• Family Favorite: Has become a post-holiday tradition for many families due to its rich and satisfying flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress guests with a homemade-looking meal that even picky eaters, like Sarah’s mother-in-law, will love.
• Versatile Recipe: Can be customized with additional vegetables, herbs, or different cheeses for varied flavors and textures.
• Hearty Meal: A complete and filling dish on its own, but can be paired with a salad, vegetables, or bread for a more balanced meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to five days and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.

Ingredients for Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 10.4 ounces cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10.4 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 2 pounds Yukon or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

How to Make Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

Step 1: Prep the oven and dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the potatoes

Peel and dice the potatoes into ¾-inch pieces for even cooking. Rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and drain well.

Step 3: Mix the casserole base

In a large mixing bowl, mix diced potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, diced ham, and sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine thoroughly

Mix until the potatoes and ham are coated evenly with the creamy soup mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Transfer to baking dish

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly. Ensure the liquid covers the potatoes; if dry, add a splash of milk.

Step 6: Top with cheese and bake

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 7: Finish uncovered

Uncover and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly. Serve hot in generous portions.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying the cheesy ham and potato casserole, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy it for several meals throughout the week. In fact, the flavors of the casserole tend to develop and meld together even more after being stored, resulting in a more flavorful dish when reheated.

When reheating the casserole, you can easily warm up individual portions in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness of the dish hold up beautifully when reheated, making it a practical and delicious option for lunches or dinners. To enhance your meal, consider pairing the reheated casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, crusty bread, or a cold beverage like beer or iced tea to round out the flavors and create a satisfying dining experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole, you can swap out the cream of chicken and cheddar cheese soups for lower-fat or healthier alternatives. Consider using cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce made with low-fat milk and a roux thickener. You can also opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan to reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a cheesy flavor.

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can easily omit the ham and incorporate additional vegetables or plant-based protein sources. Try adding extra diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even vegan sausage crumbles for a different twist. To enhance the umami flavor that the ham provides, you could also include ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or smoked paprika for a smoky depth without the meat. Additionally, using a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup as a base can still provide a creamy texture and rich taste to the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole with a side of tangy pickles or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream. The acidity and crunch of the pickles will provide a nice contrast to the creamy and hearty casserole, adding a pop of flavor to each bite. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving can add a touch of freshness and color, elevating the dish visually and in taste.

For a cozy and complete meal, consider serving this casserole with some warm, crusty bread on the side. The bread will be perfect for sopping up the delicious creamy sauce, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste. A glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red would make an excellent pairing, balancing the richness of the dish with a refreshing sip that enhances the overall dining experience.

FAQs for Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. You can also use a homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a substitute.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Swiss, Gruyere, or even mozzarella to create a unique flavor profile for your casserole.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

To make this casserole vegetarian, you can omit the ham and substitute it with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also add vegetarian ham or bacon alternatives for a similar flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole for later?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for later. Make sure to cool it completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Ham Potato Cassole is a true family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover holiday ham or simply craving a comforting and hearty meal, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and satisfying flavors, it’s the perfect dish to serve to impress guests or enjoy as a cozy weeknight dinner.

So, don’t hesitate to give this Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole a try and make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different cheese varieties. Embrace the versatility of this dish, and let it become a go-to meal that brings joy and deliciousness to your table time and time again.

Savory Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

“Transform leftover ham into a comforting Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole – a rich, creamy, and satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time55 Minutes

Total Time70 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 large casserole)

Ingredients

• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 10.4 ounces cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10.4 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 2 pounds Yukon or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

Instructions

1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into ¾-inch pieces for even cooking. Rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and drain well.
3. Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, mix diced potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, diced ham, and sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Combine thoroughly: Mix until the potatoes and ham are coated evenly with the creamy soup mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly. Ensure the liquid covers the potatoes; if dry, add a splash of milk.
6. Top with cheese and bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Finish uncovered: Uncover and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly. Serve hot in generous portions.