Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about settling in at the dinner table, surrounded by the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. The tender layers of potatoes, the savory chunks of ham, and the ooey-gooey cheese meld together in a way that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. This is the magic of my beloved Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings smiles and laughter to our family table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a standout for so many reasons, making it the perfect addition to your dinner routine:

Quick family meal: Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Brings families together: The sheer deliciousness encourages everyone to gather around the table.
Feels festive and special: Whether it’s a holiday or a casual dinner, this dish feels like a treat.
Indulgent yet comforting: The cheesy goodness wrapped in potatoes makes it an irresistible comforting dinner.
Customizable and flexible: You can easily tweak it to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients with Notes

To create this homemade recipe, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups diced ham: Leftover ham works great, providing extra flavor.
4 cups diced potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russets for the best texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances the flavor, but feel free to mix in your favorites!
1 cup sour cream: For a creamy base; you can swap with Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option.
1 cup milk: Whole milk gives a creamier consistency, but any milk will do.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth; you can use yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Fresh garlic can be used for a more robust flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Optional toppings: Chopped green onions or crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 45 minutes.
Total Time: 1 hour.

In just an hour, you’ll have a delightful casserole that your family will ask for repeatedly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden top.
Prepare potatoes: Wash, peel (if desired), and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, potatoes, cheese (reserve some for topping), sour cream, milk, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Imagine the colors and textures coming together while mixing!
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and get ready for the oven magic.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice the edges starting to bubble and the cheese melting beautifully.
Add topping: After 30 minutes, pull the casserole out and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. If you want an extra crunch, this is the time to add breadcrumbs!
Continue baking: Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This is when the aroma fills the kitchen—trust me, your family will be eager to dig in.

Tips and Variations

Healthy swaps: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb option.
Seasonal twists: Add in seasonal vegetables like broccoli or spinach for an added pop of color and nutrition.
Flavor upgrades: Try adding cooked bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for extra smokiness.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette and a loaf of crusty bread for a balanced meal. This dish shines during holidays, but it’s also perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks with friends. Imagine sharing this casserole, warm from the oven, while laughter fills your dining room.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Count your blessings! Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions, allowing for perfect comfort meals on demand! When reheating, just pop it in the microwave or oven (300°F/150°C until heated through), and enjoy those flavors coming back to life.

Chef’s Pro Tips

Balance flavors: Don’t shy away from tasting your mixture before baking! Adjust seasonings for your preferred flavor profile.
Rest time: Let the casserole sit after baking; it will set up nicely, making serving easier.
Experiment with cheese: Blend different cheeses for a deeper flavor profile.
Fresh herbs: Add chopped fresh parsley or thyme right before serving for a touch of freshness.

FAQs

Can I use different meats? Absolutely! Chicken or turkey can be excellent substitutes for the ham.
How can I make it gluten-free? Ensure your mustard and stock are gluten-free, and skip any breadcrumbs.
What should I serve with it? Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Can this be assembled ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it the night before and bake it when you’re ready.

Conclusion

I invite you to bring the joy of my Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole to your family table. This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart, creating precious memories wrapped in deliciousness. I hope you try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and relish in the happiness it brings. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!

Contents

1 Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole

Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring tender layers of potatoes, savory ham, and ooey-gooey cheese that brings families together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups diced ham Leftover ham works great, providing extra flavor.
4 cups diced potatoes Use Yukon Gold or Russets for the best texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar enhances the flavor, but feel free to mix in your favorites!
1 cup sour cream You can swap with Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option.
1 cup milk Whole milk gives a creamier consistency, but any milk will do.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds depth; you can use yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a more robust flavor.
Salt and pepper Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Optional toppings: Chopped green onions or crispy breadcrumbs For extra texture.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash, peel (if desired), and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, potatoes, cheese (reserve some for topping), sour cream, milk, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Baking

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and add breadcrumbs if desired.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.

Keyword Casserole, Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole, Comfort Food, easy recipes, family dinner

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest