Cheesy ham and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, homemade creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The homemade bechamel sauce adds a smooth and creamy texture that takes this casserole to the next level, and it’s finished off with a layer of melted cheese for that irresistibly gooey top. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a hearty side dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Make a Cheesy Roux Sauce
This potato casserole recipe is an excellent way to make a satisfying meal without relying on canned soups. By making your own cheesy sauce using butter, flour, and milk, you’ll have a more wholesome, homemade flavor that pairs perfectly with diced ham and potatoes. The dish is great for a weeknight dinner, and any leftovers can be easily stored in an airtight container for the next day.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole with Creamy Sauce
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Russet Potatoes diced or shredded, can also use frozen hash browns
- 2 Cups Ham diced leftover ham or ham steak
- 1 Large Yellow Onion chopped
- 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Cup Colby Jack or monterey jack cheese shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Homemade Creamy Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Whole Milk room temperature
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 Cup White Cheddar Cheese shredded, optional for extra cheesiness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a large casserole dish or 9 x 13 baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the russet potatoes (or hash browns), diced ham, 2 cups of shredded cheese, and yellow onion. Salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish6 Cups Russet Potatoes, 2 Cups Ham, 1 Large Yellow Onion, 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Salt and black pepper to taste
- To make the homemade creamy sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.4 Tablespoons Butter, 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking to combine. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. If you want a creamy cheese sauce, stir in 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese at this stage.Salt and black pepper to taste, 2 Cups Whole Milk, 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 Cup White Cheddar Cheese
- Pour the creamy sauce over the potato mixture.
- Top with the shredded cheddar and colby jack cheeses.1 Cup Colby Jack
- Cover with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking oil spray so the cheese doesn’t stick and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Pierce the potatoes with a fork to make sure they are soft.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
The beauty of this cheesy casserole recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can swap out the types of cheese, add vegetables like green peppers or green onions, and even replace the ham with baked ham or ham steak.
Make Ahead of Time
This dish is also perfect to prepare ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to simplify your next family gathering.
Recipe Variations
Loaded Cheesy Casserole. Add crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top for a loaded baked potato twist.
Vegetable Addition. Mix in green beans, bell peppers, or even broccoli to create a complete meal with extra vegetables.
Cream Cheese. For an extra rich dish, stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese into the sauce for a tangy kick.
Storing the Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container. Enjoy it the next day for an easy and delicious reheat.
hhvicky
Thursday 24th of October 2024
My family loved this!