There’s something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. One of my all-time favorites is *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole*. This dish is the epitome of hearty goodness, combining creamy textures with savory flavors that make your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made it for my family. The aroma filled the kitchen, and I could see their eyes light up as they took their first bites. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through family gatherings, each layer of flavor telling a story of love and shared moments. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of deliciousness that’s perfect for any dinner table. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become your go-to comfort dish for years to come!
Ingredients List
To make the perfect *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole*, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with 4 cups of diced potatoes, which should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, grab 2 cups of diced ham—this adds that delightful savory goodness! Then, you’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that melty, cheesy topping that holds everything together. Don’t forget 1 cup of sour cream to bring in a rich creaminess, and a can of cream of mushroom soup to enhance the flavor. A splash of 1/2 cup of milk helps to keep the casserole nice and creamy. For seasoning, include 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a comforting masterpiece that’s sure to please everyone!
How to Prepare Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Getting started on this *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* is a breeze, and I promise it will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of diced potatoes, 2 cups of diced ham, and half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together—it’s already looking delicious!
Now, let’s make the creamy sauce! In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of sour cream, the can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add in the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season it all with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture adds that creamy goodness that binds everything together.
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the potato and ham blend. Stir it all together until everything is well-coated—trust me, you’ll want to make sure every potato gets that rich sauce! Next, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish works great for this recipe.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. This is where the magic happens as it melts and creates that irresistible cheesy crust. Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll want to give it a moment for the flavors to settle. Dig in, and enjoy this cozy, cheesy masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* will become a staple in your home! Here are just a few:
- Comfort in a Dish: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of potatoes and ham makes this dish incredibly satisfying, keeping everyone happy and full.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Trust me, once you get a taste of this creamy, cheesy goodness, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* comes out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your diced potatoes are cut into uniform sizes; this helps them cook evenly. If you have time, soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes can help remove excess starch, resulting in a creamier casserole.
When mixing the creamy sauce, don’t skip on the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can elevate the flavors immensely. And remember, letting the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving.
If you’re making this ahead of time, assemble everything but the cheese topping and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add the cheese on top and pop it in the oven. This will save you time and keep your dish fresh!
Variations
One of the best things about *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider adding frozen peas or sweet corn to the potato and ham mixture. You could also throw in some chopped broccoli for a bit of crunch. For a twist on the cheesy goodness, try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère instead of cheddar. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This dish typically serves about six, with each serving providing around 350 calories. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate based on your specific ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* is super easy! Simply let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, pop it in the freezer! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, as this helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I use leftover ham in this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect for this *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole*. It adds even more flavor and makes the dish a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers!
Q2. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade cheese sauce for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s nice and creamy to keep the consistency right!
Q3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, just stop before adding the cheese on top. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the cheese and pop it in the oven!
Q4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your *Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole* is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. If you insert a fork and it slides in easily, you’re good to go!
Q5. Can I freeze this dish?
Definitely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly for the freezer. You can reheat it directly from frozen or thaw it first—your choice!
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Love
Cheesy ham and potato casserole is creamy, hearty, and perfect for comfort food dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, ham, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, mix the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the potato and ham mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole, comfort food, casserole recipes