Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Tender potatoes are baked with savory ham, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce, then topped with melted cheese for a golden, bubbling finish. It’s an easy one-dish meal that works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holiday leftovers.

This casserole is especially great for using up leftover ham from holidays like Easter or Christmas, but it’s just as delicious made from scratch any time of year. Every bite is warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish comfort meal
• Great for leftover ham
• Creamy, cheesy texture
• Family-friendly dinner
• Easy prep and simple ingredients
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect for meal prep
• Budget-friendly

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

Main Casserole

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)

Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Optional Toppings

• Extra cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to:

375°F (190°C)

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water.

Bring to a boil and cook until slightly tender (not fully soft).

Temperature

• Boiling: 212°F (100°C)

Time

• 8–10 minutes

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.

Add:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Thyme

Cook until slightly thickened.

Temperature

• Medium heat (~325°F / 165°C)

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl mix:

• Potatoes
• Ham
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cream sauce
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese

Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Spread evenly.

Top with:

• Remaining cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella (optional)

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered in preheated oven.

Baking Temperature

375°F (190°C)

Baking Time

55–65 minutes

Bake until:

• Top is golden and bubbly
• Potatoes are tender
• Cheese is fully melted

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook Potatoes

Boil just until slightly tender so they don’t turn mushy in the oven.

Use Good Ham

Smoked or baked ham adds the best flavor.

Shred Your Own Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.

Let It Rest

Resting helps the sauce thicken and improves texture.

Variations

Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake

Add extra cheese layers between potatoes for maximum cheesiness.

Veggie Version

Add:

• Peas
• Carrots
• Broccoli

for added nutrition.

Spicy Version

Add:

• Diced jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes

for heat.

Cream of Soup Shortcut

Replace homemade sauce with:

• Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

for a quicker version.

Breakfast Casserole

Add:

• 4 beaten eggs
• Serve with hot sauce

for a morning twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes per portion

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.