This recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for using leftover ham or for a simple weeknight dinner. It combines creamy potatoes, savory ham, and a cheesy sauce into one satisfying casserole.
Why You’ll Love It
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients in a warm, satisfying way8.
- Great for Leftovers: Perfect for using up leftover ham from holidays or any other occasion25.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand3.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for busy days or potlucks2.
- Egg-free: This is an egg-free alternative to breakfast casseroles & quiche2.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced1
- 8 oz ham steak, diced1
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil1
- 2 Tbsp butter1
- 1 small yellow onion, diced1
- 2 cloves garlic, minced1
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour1
- 1/2 cup chicken broth1
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk1
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided1
- 1/4 tsp black pepper1
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder1
- 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning (optional)1
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided1
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)1
Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish1.
- Par-Boil Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil and par-boil for about 4 minutes. Drain in a colander1.
- Cook the Ham: While the potatoes are boiling, dice the ham into small pieces. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ham until browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside1.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes1.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly1.
- Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk. Season with the remaining ½ tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Creole seasoning (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens1.
- Add ¼ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth1.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the buttered baking dish, combine the drained potatoes and cooked ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and mix well1.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese over the top1.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown1.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions before serving1.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit1.
- Dinner: Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables2.
- Holiday Meal: Include it as part of your holiday spread5.
Tips for Customization
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, pepper jack, or a Colby-Monterey Jack blend24.
- Meat: Use cooked sausage or bacon instead of ham2.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach3.
- Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat2.
- Herbs: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley2.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best2.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 3 days2.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through2.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time2.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
- Yes, you can use frozen O’Brien potatoes with onions and peppers for an even quicker version. Thaw them slightly before adding to the casserole4.
What if I don’t have ham?
- No problem! Cooked bacon or sausage are great substitutes. You can even use shredded chicken or turkey2.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to make this casserole dairy-free. Be sure to choose a plant-based milk that is unsweetened and unflavored2.
Enjoy your delicious and easy ham and potato casserole!
