Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole made with red potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy Parmesan bread crumbs.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of red potatoes, which are quartered and boiled until slightly tender.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the quartered red potatoes for about 12 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked.
What oven temperature is required for this bake?
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
How much ham do I need?
You will need 2 cups of cooked, chopped ham.
What are the ingredients in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of sour cream, milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
What size baking dish should I use?
A lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I make the crispy topping?
Mix 1.5 cups of Parmesan cheese seasoned bread crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and crispy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 13g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content?
There are 17g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe, perfect for family dinners and winter evenings.
Can I add extra seasoning?
The recipe includes salt and pepper to taste, but you can add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes, this is an excellent way to use up 2 cups of leftover cooked ham.
Should I peel the red potatoes?
The recipe suggests quartering them; peeling is optional as red potato skins are thin and edible.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute.
How do I know when the potatoes are ready for the mix?
They should be par-boiled for 12 minutes so they stay firm during the final baking process.
What kind of bread crumbs are best?
Parmesan cheese seasoned bread crumbs provide the best flavor and texture for this dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the potato and ham mixture and store it in the fridge, adding the bread crumb topping just before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
While fresh red potatoes are recommended, you can use frozen cubed potatoes, though cooking times may vary.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy sauce and familiar ingredients like ham and potatoes make it a hit with children.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a casserole, comfort food, and an easy winter dinner.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute for sour cream in the sauce.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify fiber content.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool slightly helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
What if I don't have green onions?
You can omit them or substitute with chives or a small amount of finely diced yellow onion.