Deliciously Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Indulge in this Deliciously Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole, a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked until golden brown and bubbling. With layers of flavor from sautéed onions and a delightful blend of cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup, this casserole brings warmth and joy to the table. Share it with loved ones for a deliciously satisfying meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
2 (lbs, peeled and thinly sliced)
diced ham
2 (cups, fully cooked)
onions
2 (medium, chopped)
butter
1/3 (cup)
all-purpose flour
3 (teaspoons)
milk
14 (ounces)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 (cups)
salt
3/4 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1 (dash)
cream of mushroom soup
1 ((14 ounce) can)
plain breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the peeled and thinly sliced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
4
Add the chopped onions to the saucepan and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
5
Gradually stir in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
6
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
7
Fold in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
8
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes and the cheese sauce, gently folding until the potatoes are evenly coated. Add the diced ham and stir gently to incorporate.
9
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the plain breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of this casserole?
This dish features tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked with breadcrumbs.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of potatoes that are peeled and thinly sliced for even cooking.
How long should I boil the potatoes before baking?
Boil the sliced potatoes in a Dutch oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the assembly.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of fully cooked diced ham.
How do I make the cheese sauce base?
The sauce is made by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, then adding onions, milk, and cheese.
How much cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese mixed into the sauce.
What type of soup is included in the sauce?
One (14 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup is folded into the cheese mixture.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions in the butter and flour mixture for 3-5 minutes until they are translucent.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is the ideal size for this casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the dish for 35 to 40 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is golden.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
A 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs is sprinkled evenly over the top before baking.
What seasonings are added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe specifies 14 ounces of milk to be whisked into the roux.
How much butter is used to start the roux?
You will need 1/3 cup of butter to melt in the saucepan.
Do I need to cook the ham before adding it?
The ham should be fully cooked before being diced and stirred into the potato mixture.
How do I ensure the potatoes are evenly coated?
Gently fold the cooked potatoes and cheese sauce together in a large mixing bowl before adding the ham.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute other melting cheeses if preferred.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is designed as a comforting one-dish meal perfect for groups or weeknight dinners.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, chopped.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
Three teaspoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the milk and cheese into a creamy sauce.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead?
While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, cream of chicken is a common and suitable substitute.
Is the casserole supposed to be bubbly?
Yes, a bubbly appearance is a key indicator that the casserole is heated through and ready.
How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from burning?
Bake at the specified 350°F and check at 35 minutes; the breadcrumbs should be golden brown, not dark.
Can I add other vegetables?
You can stir in peas or broccoli if you want to add more vegetables to this one-dish meal.
What is the texture of the potatoes after boiling?
The potatoes should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but not falling apart.
Is this a good recipe for leftover ham?
Absolutely, using 2 cups of leftover holiday ham is an excellent way to prepare this dish.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
The recipe calls for plain, but seasoned breadcrumbs can be used for extra flavor depth.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Make sure to grease the 9x13 inch dish to prevent the potatoes and cheese from sticking.