The Ultimate Hearty Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort comes calling with this mouthwatering ham and potato casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Layers of creamy potatoes nestled with savory ham create a delectable dish that warms the soul.

Cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, this casserole brings together classic ingredients in perfect harmony.

Weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike welcome this no-fuss meal that takes minimal effort.

The golden-brown crust hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath, promising a truly memorable dining experience.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

How to Serve Ham and Potato Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and serve this hearty casserole as the star of a comforting family meal, paired with a crisp green salad for balance.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next community gathering or potluck, where it's sure to be the first thing to disappear from the buffet table.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Slice this casserole into generous portions and serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a satisfying weekend brunch that will keep everyone full and happy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.

Storage Tips for Ham and Potato Casserole

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep your casserole sealed in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore entire casserole's crispy top by heating in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Add splash of milk to prevent drying out.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze unbaked casserole up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as original recipe directs.
• Portion Prep Hack: Divide casserole into individual serving containers before storing. This allows easy grab-and-go meals, reduces waste, and enables faster reheating for busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ham and Potato Casserole

• Butter: Adds rich, smooth foundation for cheese sauce.
• Onion: Introduces sweet, aromatic depth to sauce.
• Garlic: Provides intense, zesty flavor enhancement.
• Flour: Creates silky thickening agent for sauce.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture.

• Ham: Brings savory, hearty protein with smoky undertones.
• Potatoes: Delivers hearty, comforting base with satisfying texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy melting quality.
• Mozzarella: Contributes creamy, stretchy cheese element.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and elevates overall seasoning.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, subtle spice and color.
• Thyme: Offers earthy, herbal background note.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden crown with delightful crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finishing touch.

Tools to Make Ham and Potato Casserole

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for layering and baking the casserole, provides perfect size and depth.
• Medium Saucepan: Crucial for creating the creamy cheese sauce with smooth consistency.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping ham and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps in slicing ham and preparing potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering casserole during initial baking stage.

How to Bake a Ham and Potato Casserole

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Craft the Creamy Cheese Base

Melt butter in a pan and toss in diced onions. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let the aromas mingle. Dust with flour and stir until everything looks golden and smells amazing. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking until the sauce transforms into a silky dream. Pull off the heat and fold in gooey cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs.

• Layer Your Delicious Creation

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the baking dish. Scatter chunks of ham and drench with half the cheese sauce. Repeat the process, creating a mouthwatering layers of comfort.

• Add the Finishing Touches

Shower the top with extra cheese. For a crispy twist, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and let it bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with deliciousness.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs and dive into this hearty, cheesy masterpiece.

Cooking Tips for Ham and Potato Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when ready to cook directly from the refrigerator.
• Potato Power: Choose starchy russet potatoes for a creamier texture or waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for firmer, more defined layers in your casserole.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping to make this dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Swap: Replace ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon for different flavor profiles. Vegetarians can substitute ham with diced mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of flavor that'll make this classic casserole more exciting and personalized.

Hearty Ham And Potato Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and potato casserole brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every creamy, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an optimal environment for the casserole.
2. Sauce Creation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent, developing a rich aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
3. Roux Formation: Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring to create a golden thickening agent that will provide structure to the sauce.
4. Liquid Integration: Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
5. Cheese Infusion: Remove from heat and fold in cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6. Layering: Construct alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
7. Sauce Application: Pour the decadent cheese sauce over the layered ingredients, allowing it to permeate and coat every element of the casserole.
8. Topping and Baking: Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs on top, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing the foil during the final 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
9. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and intensify in flavor, then garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note.

Notes

• Prevent Potato Discoloration: Submerge sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to stop enzymatic browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust roux consistency by gradually adding milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve desired creamy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to elevate the casserole’s taste profile.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free flour for a more inclusive recipe that accommodates various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg