If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe. It combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty chunks of tender potatoes and savory ham, bringing together simple ingredients in one irresistible dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole is satisfying, straightforward, and packed with flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples and fresh basics that work together perfectly to deliver a creamy texture, smoky flavor, and a golden, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Provides the creamy, rich base that binds everything together and adds a cozy depth of flavor.
- Milk (2% recommended): Helps thin the soup base just enough for a smooth sauce, creating a luscious, silky texture.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the richness while keeping the casserole moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami, lending a subtle savory kick that enhances all the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Brings warmth and aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth, rounding out the seasoning perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note that teases the palate and complements the ham beautifully.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds just a touch of spice to brighten the overall flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Creates that irresistible cheesy crust on top and melts right into the casserole for gooey, melty bliss.
- Russet potatoes (peeled & diced): The hearty, tender base of the casserole, they soak up all the creamy goodness while adding satisfying texture.
- Diced cooked ham: Brings smoky, savory bites that perfectly contrast the creamy potatoes and cheese.
How to Make Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the middle. Setting the right temperature early ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and develops that marvelous golden top.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This luscious sauce is the heartbeat of the casserole, infusing every bite with comforting flavor and creaminess.
Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Ham
Next, add your peeled and diced Russet potatoes along with the diced cooked ham to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This base layer forms the hearty foundation for your casserole and promises every spoonful will have the perfect balance of soft potatoes and savory meat.
Step 4: Combine and Spread
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the potatoes and ham. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated and then spread it out in an even layer. This step ensures that the sauce seeps into the potatoes, marrying flavors beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture, then bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through in the creamy sauce while marrying the flavors in a cozy, steamy environment.
Step 6: Uncover and Add Cheese
After the initial baking phase, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven. This short resting period helps the sauce thicken up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy without losing a single drop of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the casserole’s creamy and cheesy richness. A light dusting of extra smoked paprika on top can also amp up the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The refreshing crunch and slight bitterness of fresh greens balance the hearty, creamy casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, making it great for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also turn leftovers into a hearty breakfast by reheating portions topped with a fried egg for a delicious next-day treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic dish to prepare in advance. Freeze in portions or as a whole batch before baking, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and remove it toward the end to crisp up the cheese topping just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional and gives a wonderful sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder, stretchy melt or a smoked gouda to enhance the smoky flavor even more.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling helps the casserole have a smoother texture and a more uniform appearance, but if you love the added rustic feel and extra nutrients, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine as long as you wash them thoroughly.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade, a simple mixture of butter, flour, milk, and some chicken broth thickened into a creamy base makes a delicious substitute, keeping the casserole wholesome and fresh.
What can I add to make it more vegetable-packed?
Adding diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or mushrooms can boost the nutrition and add exciting layers of flavor and texture to your casserole without complicating the recipe.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Because it can be made ahead and stored or frozen with ease, it’s a perfect candidate for meal prepping. Just portion and label it well, and dinner is ready whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite from the very first bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers big on comfort, flavor, and ease. I truly hope you give it a try and experience how such an effortlessly delicious meal can brighten your table and warm your heart.
Print
Easy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Ham and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender diced potatoes and savory ham are baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of spices, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole delivers a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk (2% recommended)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Combine Potatoes and Ham: Add the peeled and diced Russet potatoes along with the diced cooked ham into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the ham and potatoes in the casserole dish. Stir gently to incorporate the sauce evenly, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set before serving. This helps to enhance flavor distribution and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- For best results, peel and dice the potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- If desired, add chopped onions or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
