Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect comfort food and is great for brunch or dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a delicious and hearty meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham, and can be made ahead of time.

One of the reasons why I look forward to a big ham dinner, is for delicious ham leftover recipes. This Ham and Potato Casserole is a great meal to make after the holidays such as Easter or Christmas.

It’s hard to top a great meal after feasting at Easter, Christmas, or a big Sunday dinner. I very much look forward to Crockpot Ham and my Pepper Jelly Cranberry Glazed Ham.

Yet this Quick and Easy Ham & Potato Casserole stands firm as a total comfort food. You might just plan a big meal, just to have an excuse to make Creamy Ham & Potato Casserole the next day!

Cheesy ham and potato casserole with real potatoes has all the combinations that make a mouthwatering meal.

With tender potatoes, chunks of ham, a creamy cheesy sauce with simple seasonings – this savory casserole dish is satisfying and rich. Yet it’s also a simple recipe to make, taking about an hour.

This casserole recipe makes a hearty breakfast, a great brunch recipe that isn’t eggs, or an easy dinner dish.

Whether you are feeding your family, or a crowd – all will be reaching for a second helping.

Ingredients and Notes

• Potatoes – I recommend Russet Potatoes or Yukon Gold Potatoes, as they hold their shape well yet cook soft. for this casserole.
  
  
• Cooked Ham – Use leftover ham or buy a ham steak or ham chunk. You also have the option of using other meats, which I detail later on in the FAQ section.
  
  
• Cheese – I use gruyere cheese for this recipe. Since it melts so well, it’s great for the sauce itself and on the casserole for extra cheesy goodness. Check out the FAQ section for suggestions on alternate types of cheese.
  
  
• Creamy Cheese Sauce – Our potato and ham casserole sauce consists of butter, a chopped shallot for taste, and all purpose flour to thicken. Chicken broth and milk (whole or 2%) are the liquids.
  
  Then, more flavor and seasoning comes from dried thyme (use fresh if you have it), salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley as a garnish. You can also use dried parsley if you wish.

How to Make Ham and Potato Casserole

This easy casserole recipe is so very simple to make. Using simple ingredients, You’ll need an oven and a 9×13 oven-safe dish.

The full recipe and instructions for this ham potato casserole are on the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   
   
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat add the butter, once melted add shallot and stir until softened. Add flour stir and cook for another minute.
   
   
3. Pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking until the texture become thick. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper and stir. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
   
   
4. Place the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. 
   
5. Add the diced ham on top.
   
   
   
6. Pour the liquid mixture evenly on top.
   
   
7. Top with the rest of the gruyere shredded cheese.
   
   
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.
   
   
9. Remove aluminum foil and continue cooking for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden brown with outer crunchy bits.
   
   
   
10. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. 
    
    
11. Serve warm, and enjoy! 

What to Serve with Ham and Potato Casserole

You might also be asking: What goes with ham and potato casserole? Your choices depend on if you are making this delicious recipe for brunch, or for dinner.

If serving for Brunch:

Ham and potato casserole with white sauce is a savory dish, so it pairs wonderfully with other tastes such as sweet fruit, Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls, or Raspberry White Chocolate Scones.

You can also serve alongside other proteins such as eggs, bacon, sausage, or chicken breakfast sausage.

Other choices include Whole Wheat Pancakes or Fluffy Oat Flour Pancakes.

If Serving as a Main Dish for Dinner:

If serving this great recipe as a main dish for dinner, I suggest steamed or roasted vegetables such as Roasted Parmesan Green Beans, Honey Glazed Carrots or Lemon Pepper Asparagus.

You could make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Almonds and Feta, or save your oven space by making Easy Air Fryer Asparagus.

As you can see, pairing suggestions are so versatile!

Make Ahead Instructions

Whether you are menu prepping for the upcoming week, or need a freezer meal for those busy days – this recipe is for you.

Here is how you can make Ham and Potato Casserole ahead of time, to be enjoyed later.

1. Prepare and bake the casserole as instructed in the recipe. Wrap and store the entire casserole in the refrigerator, up to 4 days.
2. When it’s time to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ham Casserole

To Store: To ensure maximum freshness and flavor retention, it is best to store the casserole in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with foil.

This will help keep the moisture inside, ensuring that your casserole is not too dry when it comes time to reheat it. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, place in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. 

How to Freeze Leftover Ham Casserole

Can I freeze Potato and ham casserole? Yes, you can! In fact, you can freeze the leftover casserole OR make it just for the intention of freezing for later.

To freeze your Potato and Ham Casserole, it’s best to cool it completely to room temperature first. Then put it into an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

This will prevent ice crystals from forming and compromising the quality of your casserole. The Potato and Ham Casserole can be frozen for up to three months.

When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. 

FAQ’s

Other Casserole Recipes to Try

• Breakfast Ham Hashbrown Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Broccoli Chicken Noodle Casserole
• Chicken Stuffing Bake
• Tater Tot Casserole
• Pizza Pasta Casserole