Gather your family and friends around the table for a comforting and flavor-packed meal with this Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole. This dish is a cozy classic that brings people together with its irresistible combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole
This Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and sure to leave your family and friends feeling satisfied and content. The key to its deliciousness lies in the perfect balance of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety, creamy sauce that ties it all together. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty, indulgent meal or a comforting, cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
The star ingredients in this Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole are the creamy, golden potatoes and the savory, smoky ham. You’ll also need a few other pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and seasonings to create the rich, crave-worthy sauce that brings the whole dish together.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb (450g) – Diced ham
- 4 tbsp (56g) – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (31g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) – Milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ham: Diced bacon or crumbled sausage (for a different savory flavor)
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan (to customize the cheese profile)
How to Make Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole
Begin by prepping the key components, then assemble and bake the casserole for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner.
Step 1: Prep Work
Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them until tender. Meanwhile, dice the ham and sauté it in a skillet until lightly browned. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously, to form a creamy, velvety sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sautéed ham, and the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top the casserole with shredded cheese, then bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heartier Meal: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or diced onions and bell peppers to the casserole.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.
- Cheese Swap: Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, to add depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of milk in the sauce. Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bake it as directed in the recipe.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the ham, as well as complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. The creamy sauce adds a touch of richness, while the overall dish is a satisfying and comforting option for those chilly evenings.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 858 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes in this casserole?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for classic Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, you can experiment with other varieties, such as sweet potatoes or red-skinned potatoes, to change up the texture and flavor.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bake it as directed in the recipe.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of milk in the sauce. You can also add in some sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
What can I serve with this Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread. It’s also delicious on its own as a satisfying and comforting main course.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese Casserole For Fall
- Creamy Turkey And Stuffing Casserole
- Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole
Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole for Comforting Dinners
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy potato and ham casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s packed with flavor and is easy to make!
Ingredients
4 cups diced potatoes
2 cups diced ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Feel free to substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey.
You can also add vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: casserole, ham, potato, comfort food