Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Ham Casserole
Indulge in this Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Ham Casserole, a delightful fusion of layers of tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and creamy sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty Crock Pot. With a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese and the freshness of herbs, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy families or gatherings. Not only does it offer convenience, but it can also be made in advance, allowing for easy reheating for a delicious next-day meal. Enjoy the comfort of home with this hearty and satisfying dish that will surely become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6 large (peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices)
Diced precooked ham
2 cups (diced)
Hard-boiled eggs
3 (sliced)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
Onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
Celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
Flour
1/4 cup (plain)
Salt
1 teaspoon (fine)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Milk
2 cups (whole or low-fat)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by layering the peeled and thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of your 5-quart slow cooker.
2
Evenly distribute the diced precooked ham and sliced hard-boiled eggs over the potatoes.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become tender, stirring constantly.
4
Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over the sautéed vegetables, mixing well. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a boiling point and thickens.
5
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in the chopped parsley.
6
Pour this creamy sauce over the potato mixture in the slow cooker, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients.
7
Sprinkle the remaining cup of grated cheese on top of the mixture.
8
Cover and cook on the low setting for about 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
9
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this cheesy potato casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Ham Casserole?
Layer sliced potatoes, ham, and eggs in a slow cooker, then top with a homemade cheese sauce made from sautéed vegetables, milk, and cheddar, and cook on low for 8 hours.
What are the main ingredients for this potato and ham casserole?
The key ingredients are 6 large potatoes, 2 cups of diced precooked ham, 3 hard-boiled eggs, butter, onion, celery, flour, milk, and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
How long does this casserole take to cook in the slow cooker?
This recipe should be cooked on the low setting for approximately 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Can I cook this recipe on the high setting?
While the recipe specifies low for 8 hours for the best flavor meld, you can typically cook it on high for 4 hours, though the potato texture may vary.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this specific recipe volume.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices to ensure even cooking.
Do I have to use precooked ham?
Yes, the recipe calls for diced precooked ham to ensure it is safe to eat and tender after the 8-hour cooking cycle.
What is the purpose of the hard-boiled eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and a unique creamy texture that complements the potato layers.
Can I skip the eggs if I don't like them?
Yes, the eggs can be omitted without affecting the cooking time or the overall structure of the casserole.
How do I make the cheese sauce from scratch?
Sauté onion and celery in butter, whisk in flour and seasoning, gradually add milk until thickened, then stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss cheese.
What type of milk works best?
You can use either whole milk for a richer sauce or low-fat milk for a lighter version.
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
You can use frozen sliced potatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they release more moisture.
Do I need to grease the slow cooker first?
It is recommended to lightly grease the crock pot or use a slow cooker liner to prevent the cheese sauce from sticking to the sides.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, bell peppers or peas would make great additions to the vegetable sauté.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients a day in advance to save time in the morning.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this ham and potato casserole?
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the potatoes and the dairy-based sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, replacing some or all of the milk with heavy cream will result in an even richer and creamier sauce.
What kind of potatoes are best for this slow cooker recipe?
Russet potatoes are standard for a soft texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better during long cooking times.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the sauce thickening.
Why do I need to sauté the onion and celery first?
Sautéing softens the vegetables and releases their flavor, ensuring they aren't crunchy in the final dish.
What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley or fresh chives.
Does the cheese go inside the sauce or just on top?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cheese inside the sauce and the remaining 1 cup sprinkled on top.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
Because it contains ham, potatoes, and eggs, it is a complete one-dish meal, but it also works well as a hearty side.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes, this is an excellent way to use up leftover spiral-cut or honey-baked ham from holidays.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the use of 6 large potatoes, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, adding 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the onion and celery sauté will add a wonderful depth of flavor.