Looking for an easy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy? This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. Tender potatoes and savory diced ham are combined with a creamy sauce, then topped with plenty of cheddar and mozzarella cheese before being baked until golden, bubbly, and delicious.
This ham and potato casserole is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients. The creamy sauce coats every piece of potato, while the melted cheese creates a rich, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
4 cups diced cooked potatoes
2 cups diced cooked ham
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (300 g) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the diced potatoes, ham, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Drizzle with melted butter.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
There are so many reasons to add this Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole to your weekly meal plan. It is easy to assemble, filling, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors.
The combination of creamy potatoes, salty ham, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The top becomes beautifully golden in the oven while the inside stays creamy and tender.
This recipe is also a great way to use leftover cooked ham and potatoes. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a warm and delicious family meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
For this easy ham and potato casserole, you'll need:
- 4 cups diced cooked potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (300 g) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to help prevent sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
This creamy mixture forms the flavorful base of the casserole and helps keep the potatoes moist while they bake.
3. Add the Potatoes and Ham
Add the diced cooked potatoes and cooked ham to the bowl.
Stir gently until the potatoes and ham are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Try not to mash the potatoes while mixing.
4. Add the Cheese
Add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture.
Stir gently until the cheese is distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives this dish both a rich cheesy flavor and a wonderfully stretchy texture.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cheese. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust as the casserole bakes.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30–35 minutes.
The casserole is ready when it is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
For an extra golden topping, you can place the casserole under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes. Watch it carefully so the cheese does not burn.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve your Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole warm.
Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Casserole
For the best results, use potatoes that are cooked until tender but not overly soft. This helps them maintain their shape while baking.
If you're using leftover potatoes, make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces so every bite has the perfect combination of potato, ham, sauce, and cheese.
Freshly shredded cheese usually melts especially well. You can use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mild cheddar for a more family-friendly taste.
Don't add too much salt before tasting the mixture because ham and cream of chicken soup can already contain a fair amount of sodium.
Can I Use Leftover Ham?
Absolutely! This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover holiday ham.
Diced leftover ham works perfectly and adds plenty of savory flavor to the casserole. It is especially useful after Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or other family celebrations.
Simply cut the cooked ham into small bite-sized pieces and add it to the casserole mixture.
Can I Use Different Potatoes?
Yes. You can use several varieties of potatoes in this cheesy potato casserole.
Russet potatoes are a great option because they become tender and fluffy when baked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent because they have a naturally buttery texture.
For convenience, you can even use leftover roasted or boiled potatoes.
Easy Variations
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is easy to customize with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Add Vegetables
For extra flavor and color, add vegetables such as:
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Corn
- Diced bell peppers
- Green onions
- Cooked spinach
Change the Cheese
You don't have to use only cheddar and mozzarella. Try adding:
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Parmesan
- Pepper Jack
- Swiss cheese
A combination of cheeses can make the casserole even more flavorful.
Add Bacon
For an extra savory twist, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon into the casserole before baking.
Ham and bacon together create an especially rich and satisfying combination.
What to Serve With Ham and Potato Casserole
Because this casserole is hearty and filling, it pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes.
Try serving it with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
For a complete family dinner, serve a portion of casserole alongside a fresh salad and your favorite vegetables.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This ham and potato casserole is convenient for meal preparation because you can assemble it ahead of time.
Prepare the casserole according to the recipe, place it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
When ready, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven.
When reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the cheese from becoming too dark. Remove the foil near the end to help restore the crispy cheesy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole with raw potatoes?
The recipe is designed for cooked potatoes. Using cooked potatoes helps keep the preparation quick and ensures that the potatoes become tender at the same time as the cheese melts.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes. Cooked turkey can be substituted for ham if desired. The flavor will be milder, but the creamy cheese sauce works very well with turkey.
Can I freeze ham and potato casserole?
Yes, although the texture of the creamy sauce and potatoes may change slightly after freezing and thawing. For the best texture, enjoy the casserole fresh or refrigerated.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
For a more golden and crispy cheese topping, bake until bubbly and then carefully broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on the casserole during broiling.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
One of the biggest advantages of this easy ham and potato casserole is how little effort it requires. Since the potatoes and ham are already cooked, most of the work involves mixing the ingredients and assembling the dish.
Once everything is in the oven, you can prepare a salad, vegetables, or another side dish while the casserole becomes hot and golden.
It's also a fantastic recipe for using leftovers, making it both practical and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comforting homemade meal: creamy, cheesy, savory, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. Tender potatoes and flavorful ham are coated in a creamy sauce and topped with cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a holiday leftover recipe, or a comforting side dish for a family gathering, this ham and potato casserole is a recipe worth saving.
Serve it warm with fresh parsley and your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Category: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Main Keyword: Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole