Introduction
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comforting, creamy, and satisfying family dinner. Tender potatoes are combined with savory pieces of ham, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, then baked until bubbling and beautifully golden on top.
It is an easy casserole that brings together simple ingredients in one delicious dish. The potatoes become tender and creamy while the ham adds a wonderful salty, savory flavor, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Recipe | Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Food |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50–60 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Main Ingredients | Potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese |
| Cooking Method | Oven-baked |
| Best Served | Hot and creamy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is incredibly creamy and cheesy while still being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheddar creates a classic comfort-food flavor that the whole family will enjoy.
It is also a fantastic way to use leftover cooked ham. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making preparation and cleanup wonderfully simple.
The golden cheese topping adds a delicious contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes underneath.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Potatoes | 2½–3 lbs |
| Cooked ham, diced | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2½ cups |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¾ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tbsp |
| Dried parsley | ½ tsp |
| Dried Italian seasoning | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired and slice them thinly, approximately ⅛ inch thick.
Try to keep the slices similar in thickness so they cook evenly.
Do not rinse the sliced potatoes after cutting. The natural starch helps the casserole sauce become thicker and creamier.
3. Prepare the Ham
Cut the cooked ham into small bite-sized cubes.
If using leftover ham, trim away any excess fat and cut it into evenly sized pieces.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
Add the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and Dijon mustard.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in the sour cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer the Casserole
Arrange approximately one-third of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
Add one-third of the diced ham.
Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and ham.
Repeat the layers until all the potatoes, ham, and sauce have been used.
Finish with the remaining sauce spread evenly across the top.
6. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the casserole.
Add the Parmesan, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
This will create the golden, bubbly crust seen on top of the casserole.
7. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for approximately 40 minutes.
The foil allows the potatoes to steam and become tender without drying out the casserole.
8. Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.
Bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
For an especially golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
9. Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This gives the creamy sauce time to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Best Tips
Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline can make this much easier, but always use it carefully.
Do not skip the covered baking stage. Keeping the casserole covered initially helps the potatoes cook through and prevents the cheese from browning too early.
Use freshly shredded cheddar whenever possible. It melts more smoothly and gives the casserole a better texture.
If your ham is particularly salty, reduce the amount of added salt in the cheese sauce.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving. Cutting into it immediately can cause the creamy sauce to run out rather than cling to the potatoes.
Best Ingredient Options
Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they become creamy and tender while holding their shape.
Russet potatoes also work well and create a softer, starchier casserole.
Ham
Use leftover baked ham, diced deli ham, or thick-cut cooked ham.
For the best texture, cut the ham into small cubes rather than very thin slices.
Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides plenty of flavor and creates a beautiful golden topping.
You can combine cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
Cream
Heavy cream makes the sauce richer, while whole milk keeps it creamy without becoming excessively heavy.
Recipe Variations
Ham and Broccoli Casserole
Add steamed broccoli between the potato and ham layers for extra vegetables.
Loaded Potato Casserole
Add cooked bacon, green onions, sour cream, and extra cheddar for a loaded baked-potato version.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Increase the garlic and replace some of the cheddar with Parmesan for a richer garlic-cheese flavor.
Mushroom and Ham Casserole
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the casserole.
Spicy Cheesy Potato Casserole
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
What to Serve With
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or roasted carrots provide a lighter contrast to the creamy potatoes and cheese.
For a comforting family dinner, serve it alongside a simple garden salad and warm crusty bread.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the casserole several hours ahead of time.
Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Because the potatoes will be cold when they go into the oven, you may need to add approximately 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
For the best results, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot.
For a crispier cheese topping, reheat larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbling.
Final Note
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly comforting. The tender potatoes soak up the rich cheese sauce while the diced ham adds savory flavor throughout the dish.
With its bubbling cheddar topping and creamy layers underneath, it is the perfect recipe for a cozy family dinner, holiday side dish, or satisfying way to use leftover ham.