Save to Pinterest This creamy Cheesy Potato and Ham Casserole brings together layers of tender potatoes savory ham and a bubbling cheddar crust for the ultimate comfort food. It is perfect for when you want a hands off main that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
I have baked this after holidays to use up leftover ham and it has become a tradition. My kids cheer when they smell it in the oven and everyone actually sits at the table on time.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: Bring a fluffy texture and mild flavor making them perfect for creamy casseroles. Pick potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size with no soft spots.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savoriness that rounds everything out. Choose onions with dry skins and no green sprouts.
- Cooked ham: Gives the dish its smoky depth and hearty bite. Opt for ham that is not too watery for best results. Leftover baked ham is even better.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Creates a gooey melty top. Get a block to grate yourself for the best flavor and melt.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Make a rich sauce that blankets the potatoes. Go for dairy that is as fresh as possible.
- Unsalted butter: Is key for the roux that thickens everything. Use real butter for classic taste.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the potato layers. For gluten free reach for a blend or cornstarch that states gluten free on the label.
- Garlic powder and dried thyme: Add a savory herbal backdrop that keeps things from tasting flat. Check that your dried herbs are still fragrant when you open the jar.
- Ground black pepper and kosher salt: Season every bite. Fresh cracked pepper makes a difference.
- Fresh parsley: At the end gives a pop of color and a little fresh lift. If skipping parsley a sprinkle of green onion works too.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 190 Celsius or 375 Fahrenheit. Grease a baking dish so nothing sticks and you get clean slices at the end.
- Cook the Onions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook gently until soft and translucent which takes about three minutes. Stir frequently so they do not brown. This gives a sweet and subtle base for your sauce.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a full minute. It should form a bubbly paste and lose any raw flour smell. This step is key for a smooth and silky sauce.
- Build the Cheese Sauce:
- Slowly drizzle in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Take your time to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken. Add garlic powder thyme salt and black pepper. Continue to whisk until you see clear trails and the sauce coats the back of your spoon. This will take two or three minutes.
- Add the Cheese:
- Remove from heat and add one and one half cups of the shredded cheddar. Stir until fully melted into a creamy sauce. Taste for seasoning at this stage and adjust if needed.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Arrange half the potato slices evenly in your prepared baking dish. Scatter half the diced ham over the top. Spoon half the cheese sauce over those layers spreading with a spatula so it reaches the corners. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes ham and sauce. Try to overlap the potatoes slightly so every bite is creamy.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the final half cup of cheddar over the surface for the best golden top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for forty minutes so the potatoes cook through without the cheese burning. After that remove the foil. Let it bake another twenty minutes to let the top turn golden and bubbly and the potatoes get perfectly tender.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let your casserole cool for ten minutes before serving. This step lets everything set so it slices neatly. Top with chopped parsley right before bringing to the table if you like a fresh look.
Save to Pinterest Ever since I started adding smoked cheddar as a twist my family insists on that hint of extra flavor. Some of my fondest memories are sitting at the kitchen table with my mom layering potatoes and sneaking bits of ham straight from the cutting board.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before covering and refrigerating. They will last for up to three days. For longer storage transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture. Reheat covered so the top does not dry out.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a pork free option cooked turkey breast works very well and blends into the dish seamlessly. Feel free to use different cheeses such as Swiss for a nuttier flavor profile or smoked gouda for a deeper toastiness. If you need to make it gluten free use a labeled blend or cornstarch mixed with the butter before adding liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich so I love to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon or vinegar. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make ideal sides for extra veggies and color. For festive meals slice it alongside roasted turkey or ham.
Cultural Context
Casseroles like this gained their popularity in American kitchens as they combine convenience with plenty of comfort. Originally developed as a way to use up leftovers they have become classic crowd pleasers for potlucks and family get togethers especially in colder months.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in sweet potatoes or a few parsnips for a fall twist Throw in cooked peas or spinach to use up garden harvests in spring If you have fresh herbs on hand add extra thyme or chives for a summer burst at the end
Success Stories
My neighbor made this dish for a new mom and it disappeared within hours. Every time I bring it to a potluck there are requests for the recipe before I even finish serving. Best of all it has become my go to way to turn fridge odds and ends into a meal everyone loves.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the casserole right up to the final cheese topping then wrap it well to freeze before baking. When ready to eat thaw overnight and then bake fully do not skip the rest time to help it hold together.
Save to Pinterest This casserole brings comfort and cheer to any table. The creamy layers and cheesy crust make each bite irresistible for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap cheddar for gouda or Swiss to change up the flavor profile and add variety.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce preparation.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh when ready to eat for best results.
- → What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Green peas or chopped spinach work well layered in with the potatoes for color and nutrition.
- → Is there a substitute for ham?
Try cooked chicken or roasted turkey for a different taste or to avoid pork products.