Ham and Potato Casserole

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Ham and Potato Casserole

Introduction

Ham and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a family favorite, perfect for using leftover ham, especially after holidays like Easter or Christmas. Rich and satisfying, this casserole works well as a main dish for dinner or as a brunch option when served with eggs and fresh salad. Its layered texture and golden baked top make it both delicious and visually inviting.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup peas or broccoli florets
  • ½ cup sour cream (stirred into sauce for tang)
  • A pinch of nutmeg (classic for creamy sauces)

Instructions / Methods

Method 1: Classic Oven-Baked

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel (optional) and slice potatoes thinly. Parboil for 5 minutes in salted water, then drain.
  2. Make the Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
    • Stir in flour to make a roux, cook for 1 minute.
    • Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
    • Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
    • Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Layer half the potatoes, half the ham, half the onions, and half the cheese sauce.
    • Repeat with remaining ingredients.
    • Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar (and mozzarella if using).
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Method 2: Slow Cooker Version

  1. Layer potatoes, ham, onions, and sauce in a greased slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  3. Add cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a perfectly melty topping.

History

Casseroles became especially popular in the United States during the 1950s, when convenience cooking and one-dish meals were in high demand. The Ham and Potato Casserole is a descendant of both European scalloped potato dishes and American “church potluck” meals. It’s also closely tied to holiday traditions, since leftover ham from Easter or Christmas often found new life in casseroles like this one. Over time, it has become a staple of comfort food cuisine, representing family gatherings, warmth, and simplicity.

Benefits

  1. Budget-Friendly: Great use for leftover ham.
  2. Balanced Meal: Contains protein, carbs, dairy, and can be enriched with veggies.
  3. Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, hearty—perfect for cold days.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked later.
  5. Versatile: Adaptable with different cheeses, vegetables, or seasoning.

Formation (Cooking Science)

  • Roux + Milk = Béchamel: The butter-flour roux thickens milk into a creamy sauce.
  • Starch in Potatoes: Naturally thickens the sauce as the casserole bakes.
  • Cheese Melting: Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella adds stretchiness.
  • Baking Process: The foil traps steam to soften potatoes, while removing it later creates a golden crust.

Conclusion

Ham and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that blends simplicity with flavor. It’s hearty enough for dinner, versatile enough for brunch, and beloved as a way to transform leftovers into something new and delicious. Its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and cheesy topping make it irresistible for both kids and adults.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Families: A kid-friendly, budget-friendly dinner.
  • Holiday Hosts: A smart way to repurpose leftover ham.
  • Comfort Food Enthusiasts: Fans of creamy, cheesy, filling meals.
  • Busy Cooks: Appreciates its make-ahead and freezer-friendly qualities.
  • Community Potluck Heroes: Brings smiles wherever it’s served.

Final Conclusion with Lovers

The Ham and Potato Casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a memory-maker. Loved by families, potluck-goers, and comfort food seekers, it turns simple ingredients into a warm, filling, and flavorful meal. Whether baked fresh from scratch or prepared in the slow cooker, this casserole carries with it the traditions of hearty home cooking, hospitality, and togetherness.

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