Of course! The Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. Here’s a classic, highly-rated recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Classic Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and savory, with a crispy, flavorful topping.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
· 6 cups diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs, peeled) – Yukon Golds are creamier, Russets hold their shape well.
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
· 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
· 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
· 3 cups cooked ham, diced
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
· 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
· 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. For quicker cooking, you can parboil them for 5-7 minutes until just starting to become tender, then drain thoroughly. This is optional but ensures the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a paste (this is a roux).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the milk and broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over-salt, as the ham and cheese are already salty.
- Assemble the Casserole: To the sauce, add the diced potatoes, ham, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or crackers/breadcrumbs) with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
· Potato Shortcut: For a super quick version, you can use a 30-32 oz bag of frozen shredded or diced hash browns (thawed). No pre-cooking needed!
· Cheese Varieties: Don’t be afraid to mix cheeses! A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a little Gruyère is fantastic.
· Add Veggies: Feel free to add in 1-2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots), broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
· Make it Creamier: For an even richer casserole, you can substitute one can of condensed cream of chicken or celery soup for the flour, butter, and milk. Simply mix the undiluted soup with the sour cream and broth, then proceed with the recipe.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal