There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and comforting casserole to bring people together around the dinner table. This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate cozy dish, packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce that melts beautifully with gooey cheese. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and the perfect way to use up leftover ham. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a holiday brunch, or a potluck gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this Cheesy ham and potato casserole recipe is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great fridge-cleanout meal. If you have leftover roasted chicken, turkey, or even some sautéed mushrooms, you can easily mix them in. Plus, the combination of crispy golden edges and creamy, cheesy layers makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
In my house, this casserole is a go-to for lazy Sundays or when I need a dish that feeds a crowd without too much effort. It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories of cozy, home-cooked dinners. And the best part? It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for days!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy ham and potato casserole Recipe
- Super easy to make – With just a handful of simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly and bakes to perfection.
- Great for leftovers – Got extra ham from a holiday meal? This is a delicious way to use it up!
- Creamy and cheesy – The combination of cheddar and a velvety sauce gives this dish the perfect balance of richness and texture.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness of this dish!
Preparation Time and Servings of this Cheesy ham and potato casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients of this Cheesy ham and potato casserole
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Let it cook for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the diced potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ham and then pour half of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. The potatoes should start softening, but they won’t be fully tender just yet.
6. Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If you love a little extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika on top for a hint of warmth and depth. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Let It Rest and Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up slightly and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve This Cheesy ham and potato casserole
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great serving ideas:
- With a Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
- With Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make great sides.
- With Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- With Scrambled Eggs – Turn this into a hearty brunch dish by serving it with eggs on the side.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Thinly slice or dice the potatoes – This helps them cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
- Let the casserole rest before serving – This helps the sauce set up so it doesn’t run all over the plate.
- Make it extra crispy – For a golden-brown cheesy crust, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Customize it – Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Cheesy ham and potato casserole Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives to make this lactose-friendly.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing for Later
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze:
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Cheesy ham and potato casserole
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! If using frozen diced hash browns, there’s no need to thaw them—just adjust the baking time as needed.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar adds a great punch of flavor, but you can mix in gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a delicious twist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Stick a fork into the casserole—if the potatoes are tender and easily pierced, it’s ready!
Final Thoughts about this Cheesy ham and potato casserole
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is everything you need in a comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or meal prep for the week, it’s a guaranteed hit. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me in your pictures—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy! 😊
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Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole – Easy & Comforting Family Dinne
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy cheesy ham and potato casserole is a comforting dish with layers of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or using up holiday leftovers!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
- Stir in flour, then gradually add milk and broth. Cook until thickened.
- Layer half the potatoes and ham in the dish, pour half the sauce over, and repeat.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, add cheeses, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for the best texture.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American