Savory Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible ham and potato casserole that promises to satisfy the deepest hunger pangs.

Layers of creamy potatoes and savory ham create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings warmth to any dining table.

Every forkful tells a story of home-cooked goodness and culinary passion.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming simple components into a spectacular meal.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you experience this delectable casserole.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Ham And Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Hearty starch that creates the foundation of the casserole, choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for creamy texture.
• Ham: Adds rich, smoky protein that complements the creamy sauce, select high-quality deli or leftover ham for best flavor.

• Butter: Provides rich base for sauce and helps create smooth, velvety texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that builds deep flavor profile, use fresh for most intense taste.
• Flour: Crucial thickening agent that helps sauce achieve perfect consistency.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base with perfect balance of richness.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Melty cheeses that add complex, tangy depth and creamy stretch.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance overall dish.
• Paprika, Thyme: Warm spices that add subtle complexity and herbal notes.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping that provides textural contrast.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds bright, clean finish to the dish.

Gear For Ham And Potato Casserole Made Easy

• Baking dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending the sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping ham and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps with stirring and mixing.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.

Steps To Build Ham And Potato Casserole Layers

• Fire Up The Oven

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy comfort food haven by heating the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray or butter rub.

• Craft The Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and dance some diced onions around until they turn soft and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic for a quick sizzle. Sprinkle flour and stir until it turns a warm golden hue. Slowly pour milk and cream, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Pull from heat and fold in cheese, creating a luscious blend of flavors. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

• Layer The Deliciousness

Create delectable layers by spreading potatoes across the bottom of your dish. Drape ham slices over the potatoes, then cascade the cheesy sauce generously. Repeat the layering process, ensuring each bite will be a symphony of textures.

• Crown With Cheesy Goodness

Shower the top with an extra handful of cheese. For a crunchy twist, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle across the surface.

• Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and let the oven work its magic for 40 minutes. Then unveil the casserole and bake another 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve And Savor

Allow the casserole to rest briefly, then garnish with fresh parsley. Dive into this comforting dish that promises warmth in every forkful.

Comfort Food Tips For Ham And Potato Casserole

• Cheese Sauce Perfection: Whisk the milk and cream slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture that coats every potato and ham piece beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by layering thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables between potato layers for added color and wholesome goodness.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or sliced turnips for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers amazing comfort food satisfaction.

How To Serve Ham And Potato Casserole Warm

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of your family meal, gathering everyone around the table for a comforting, delicious experience.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad and mimosas for a stunning weekend brunch that will impress your guests and satisfy hungry appetites.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or potlucks, knowing it travels well and will be devoured by friends and family in no time.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick lunch or dinner, with the flavors melding even more beautifully overnight.

How To Store Ham And Potato Casserole For Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap the entire uncooked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Flavor Revival Technique: When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent dryness. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a fresh-baked taste.

Hearty Ham And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Midwestern ham and potato casserole delivers comfort with creamy layers of sliced potatoes and savory ham. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings. Generous helpings will warm your soul.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups ham (diced)
• 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation Ritual: Liberally coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or nonstick spray. Ignite the oven to a steady 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Sauce Symphony: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic and create a golden roux by whisking in flour. Gradually incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until achieving a velvety consistency.
3. Layering Technique: Construct alternating strata of sliced potatoes and diced ham, generously dousing each layer with the luscious cheese sauce. Repeat the layering process, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor integration.
4. Textural Elevation: Crown the casserole with a generous sprinkle of remaining cheddar cheese. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and disperse across the surface for a crisp, golden finish.
5. Baking Journey: Drape the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, crispy landscape. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removal from the oven.
6. Final Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and enticing culinary masterpiece ready for consumption.

Notes

• Optimize Potato Slicing: Cut potatoes uniformly (1/4-inch thick) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before layering.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality, smoked ham for a richer taste profile and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to complement the meat’s natural smokiness.
• Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg