If there’s one dish that screams comfort food, it’s the Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this crowd pleaser combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a delicious blend of cheeses.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
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Similar to Au Gratin Potatoes but with the added flavor boost of ham.
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Delicious Flavor Combinations
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Quick and Easy to Make
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Simple Recipe
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Family-Friendly Meal that is always a big hit
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Great way to use leftover holiday ham
Simple Ingredients
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Potatoes
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Yellow onion
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Cream of chicken
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Cheddar cheese soup
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Diced Ham
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Sour cream
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Mild Cheddar cheese
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Salt & Black pepper
How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
In a big bowl, combine potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and diced ham. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix everything well. Move the potato mixture to a 7×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Serve and enjoy!
Choosing the Right Potatoes for the Cheese Casserole
When it comes to potatoes, not all are created equal for casseroles. The key is to find a balance between fluffiness and the ability to hold shape. Here’s what you need to know:
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Russet Potatoes: These are starchy and break down easily, making them great for creamy casseroles.
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Yukon Gold Potatoes: With a buttery texture, these hold their shape better and add a rich flavor to the dish.
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Red Potatoes: They have a waxy texture, perfect for a firmer finish if you like your potatoes more intact.
Variations of Ham Casserole
Don’t Have Potatoes
That’s ok. You can also use hashbrowns. It is a fast and easy substitution if you don’t have fresh potatoes on hand. You can also use canned potatoes as well.
Optimal Cheese Selection
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Mozzarella: For a mild flavor and stretchy texture, mozzarella can be a great addition.
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Gruyère: If you’re feeling fancy, Gruyère provides a nutty taste and smooth melt.
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Colby Jack: This adds a bit of bit without being over powering.
Vegetarian Version
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Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a savory depth similar to meat. Opt for baby bellas or creminis, sliced and lightly sautéed.
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Tofu or Tempeh: Dice up some firm tofu or tempeh. Both soak up flavors beautifully and provide a protein punch.
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Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add a nutty vibe and are full of fiber and protein.
Adding Vegetables to the Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Want to pack in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor? Vegetables can not only boost the health quotient but also add colors and textures, turning your casserole into an eye-catching and mouth-watering feast. It also makes this casserole a complete meal all in one dish.
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Broccoli: Cut into small florets, it blends nicely with the creamy base and adds a pop of green.
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Spinach: A handful of fresh leaves stirred in before baking not only looks good but tastes great.
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Peas: Sweet frozen peas can add a delightful burst of flavor and color.
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Bell Peppers: Give your casserole a dose of crunch and sweetness with red or yellow bell peppers.
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Green Beans: Open a can of green beans, or use frozen, for an easy veggie boost.
Spicy Twist
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Jalapeños: Slice fresh or pickled jalapeños and scatter them over the top for a spicy zing.
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Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, mixed into the casserole or drizzled on top, can heat things up.
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Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle these over the cheese before baking for a slow burn that builds with each bite.
How to Store Cheesy Potato Casserole
Storing your leftover casserole properly ensures that you can enjoy it again without losing any flavor or texture. Whether you’re saving leftovers for tomorrow or planning ahead for a busy week, knowing how to store this dish is key.
Refrigeration Tips
Refrigerating your casserole is as easy as pie. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
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Cool It Down: Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, place it in an airtight container. If you are storing the casserole in the casserole dish, use a dish that comes with a lid (this is a great place to add an affiliate link for a casserole dish with a lid) You can also cover the casserole pan with plastic wrap. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the cheese nice and gooey.
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Keep It Cold: Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Thinking long-term? Freezing is your friend. This delicious recipe is great was a freezer meal.
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Cut It Up: First, divide the casserole into portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need without defrosting the whole thing.
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Wrap Up: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover each portion tightly. This ensures no ice crystals form which might make your casserole soggy when it’s thawed.
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Pack and Label: Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or bag. Don’t forget to label with the date! You can store these in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Thawing Tips: When you’re ready to eat, transfer a portion from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until it’s warm throughout.
FAQs About Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you definitely can make Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole ahead of time! Preparing in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to blend together, making it even tastier.
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Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes, onions, and ham and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
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Assemble the Casserole: Mix all ingredients as per the recipe, then cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Baking Time: When ready to bake the next day, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake according to your recipe directions, adding a few extra minutes since it might be cooler from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ham?
Here are some tasty alternatives to ham that can still bring great flavor to your casserole:
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Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and adds a different texture.
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Bacon or Sausage: For a pork substitute, crispy bacon or cooked sausage can give that savory kick.
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Turkey: Diced turkey, especially leftovers, is a fantastic way to diversify the dish.
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Vegetarian Options: For a meat-free version, swap out ham with roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added richness.
How do I make it gluten-free?
It is simple to make this gluten-free since the recipe doesn’t call for adding flour. However, to make sure this recipe is gluten-free:
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Check Soup Labels: Use gluten-free versions of cream of chicken and cheddar cheese soup. Many brands now offer gluten-free options.
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Thickening Alternatives: If you need to thicken your mixture, consider using cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
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Season Carefully: Ensure that any pre-packaged seasonings or sauces are marked gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Check out a few more of my favorites:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes diced
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 10.4 ounces cream of chicken
- 10.4 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups diced ham
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl add the potatoes, onion, cream of chicken, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream and diced ham. Season with salt and black pepper to taste then mix until well combined then transfer to a 7x13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Serve & enjoy!
Do you boil the potatoes first if using freah ones?
No. The time called for in this recipe should be enough to cook, depending on the size, but adjust the time as needed until they are fork tender.