Creamy Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake
This indulgent Creamy Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake has quickly become a beloved staple in my family's kitchen. Perfectly balanced with chunks of tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and a flavorful blend of vegetables, this hearty soup pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of fresh bread or warm dinner rolls. Its creamy texture and rich cheesy flavor make it the ultimate comfort food, and the best part is it freezes exceptionally well for those busy weeknights. Whip it up in no time, especially if you have a food processor to speed up the prep! Plus, it's even more delicious as leftovers, making for an easy lunch the next day.
4
Servings
288
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced potatoes
3 cups (peeled and chopped)
Diced celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
Grated carrot
1/2 cup (peeled and grated)
Diced onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Water
1 1/2 cups (none)
Chicken bouillon cube
1 (dissolved in water)
Whole milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Velveeta cheese
1/3 lb (cubed (more can be added to taste))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Cubed ham
2 cups (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the diced potatoes, celery, grated carrot, diced onion, water, and chicken bouillon cube. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the milk and flour in a separate bowl until smooth.
4
Once the vegetables are tender, slowly stir the milk and flour mixture into the soup, ensuring even distribution.
5
Increase the heat back to medium-high and cook the soup uncovered, stirring frequently until it reaches a gentle boil.
6
Add in the Velveeta cheese, salt, pepper, and the cubed ham (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely and the soup is thick and creamy.
7
Taste and adjust any seasonings as necessary. Serve hot alongside fresh bread or rolls for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
10.75g
Fat
36.25g
Carbs
17.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake?
It is an indulgent comfort food dish that functions as a hearty soup made with potatoes, ham, and vegetables in a cheesy base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 lb of Velveeta cheese, cubed.
Can I add more cheese to the soup?
Yes, more cheese can be added to taste if you prefer a richer flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
How long should the vegetables simmer?
The vegetables should simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
What vegetables are needed for this bake?
The recipe requires diced potatoes, diced celery, grated carrot, and diced onion.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by whisking together 1 1/2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of flour and stirring it into the vegetable mixture.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the ham and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon to make it vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 288 calories per serving.
How much ham is required?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of cubed ham.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
It pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of fresh bread or warm dinner rolls.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10.75g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 17.75g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 36.25g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide dietary fiber?
Yes, there is 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How much water is used in the base?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of water.
What is the role of the chicken bouillon cube?
The bouillon cube is dissolved in water to create a flavorful cooking liquid for the vegetables.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the 3 cups of diced potatoes should be peeled and chopped.
How should the carrot be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of carrot should be peeled and grated.
Is a food processor useful for this recipe?
Yes, using a food processor can help speed up the preparation of the vegetables.
How do the leftovers taste?
The recipe notes that it is even more delicious as leftovers the next day.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
Do I cook the soup covered or uncovered after adding the milk?
You should cook the soup uncovered and stir frequently until it reaches a gentle boil.
What seasonings are added at the end?
The dish is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
At what temperature should the dish be served?
It should be served hot for a satisfying meal.
How much flour is used for the thickening mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include soup, cheesy, ham, potato, and comfort food.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese.