Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish blends diced ham, potatoes, and onion with a creamy mixture of cheddar cheese soup and sour cream for a rich base. Everything comes together in one pan, ensuring even flavor throughout. After baking, the casserole emerges golden and bubbling with a cheesy top. Enjoy a comforting combination of tender vegetables and savory ham, all enveloped in a silken sauce. It's a familiar favorite for families, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Serve warm and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired. Relish the harmony of flavors in each forkful!

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:04:46 GMT
A cheesy ham and potato casserole. Save
A cheesy ham and potato casserole. | lilicooks.com

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is pure comfort food baked until bubbly and golden. It is perfect for using up leftover ham and makes any cold night feel just a little bit cozier while filling your kitchen with an irresistible cheesy aroma.

I first whipped this up after a holiday when our fridge was overflowing with ham and everyone now asks for it by name each winter when the nights get cold and long.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: diced for hearty bites and structure choose waxy potatoes for best texture
  • Yellow onion: for subtle sweetness and depth pick one that feels heavy and firm for best flavor
  • Cream of chicken soup: forms a creamy base and brings all the flavors together look for a version with fewer additives if possible
  • Cheddar cheese soup: amps up the cheesiness and makes every bite rich choose a sharp cheddar style soup if you can find it
  • Diced ham: adds smoky saltiness use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor
  • Sour cream: makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy buy full-fat for the best result
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: creates that perfect melty topping grate your own from a block to maximize meltiness
  • Salt and black pepper: to balance flavors taste and adjust before baking for seasoning perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Potatoes and Onion:
Dice potatoes into bite-size pieces and chop half of a yellow onion finely. A uniform cut will make sure everything cooks evenly and feels great in every bite.
Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl combine potatoes onion cream of chicken soup cheddar cheese soup sour cream and diced ham. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated and distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spoon the mixture into a seven by thirteen inch baking dish. Press gently to create an even layer. You want all the potatoes nestled into the creamy base.
Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. A generous layer will mean every portion has a melty cheesy lid. Do not skimp here.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven. Bake for forty five to fifty five minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden around the edges.
Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole rest a few minutes so it thickens slightly before you scoop out hearty portions. This helps set the casserole and makes serving easier.
A cheesy ham and potato casserole. Save
A cheesy ham and potato casserole. | lilicooks.com

There is something magical about the way sharp cheddar melts into the casserole forming a golden crust that my family fights over. I always remember my son waiting by the oven just to nab the first cheesy scoop off the edge.

Storage Tips

Cool your casserole to room temperature then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat bake covered at a low temperature to preserve the creamy texture or use the microwave for quick lunches.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cheddar cheese soup you can double the cream of chicken and stir in an extra handful of shredded cheddar for flavor. You can use leftover turkey or cooked chicken in place of ham for a different spin. For a vegetarian version substitute a can of cream of mushroom soup and skip the ham.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. This casserole also works beautifully as a brunch centerpiece served with scrambled eggs or fruit salad alongside.

A cheesy ham and potato casserole. Save
A cheesy ham and potato casserole. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Casseroles became a staple in twentieth century American kitchens as economical crowd pleasers that could stretch leftover meat and simple pantry ingredients. Cheesy ham and potato casseroles remain a nostalgic classic across the Midwest where communities often gather for potlucks and church suppers featuring comfort food like this.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover cooked ham?

Yes, leftover cooked ham works perfectly. Simply dice and add it as directed for a flavorful result.

→ What type of potatoes are best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold up well when baked, offering creaminess and structure to the casserole.

→ Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom or celery soup can be used if you prefer a different base or want a meat-free option.

→ How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Try adding breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese on top before baking for a crunchy, golden finish.

→ Is this suitable for freezing?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as needed.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Peas, carrots, or broccoli can be added for extra color and flavor. Mix them in with the other ingredients.

Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole

Tender potatoes and ham in a creamy cheesy sauce. Easy bake, hearty, and ideal for sharing.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
50 min
Overall Time
65 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 2 pounds potatoes, diced
02 ½ yellow onion, diced
03 10.4 ounces cream of chicken soup
04 10.4 ounces cheddar cheese soup
05 2 cups diced ham
06 ½ cup sour cream
07 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, add the potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and diced ham. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix until well combined.

Step 02

Transfer the mixture to a 7x13 inch baking dish.

Step 03

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 04

Serve hot and enjoy your casserole.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 7x13 inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 30.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39.5 g
  • Proteins: 23.1 g