Spicy Pepper Jack Ham and Potato Bake
This Spicy Pepper Jack Ham and Potato Bake is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food casserole. Combining tender potatoes with savory, diced ham and zesty Monterey Jack pepper cheese, this dish is perfect for repurposing leftover ham into a hearty meal. The creamy texture from the low-fat cream of chicken soup melds beautifully with the fresh aromas of diced onion and a medley of peppers, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion. Ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this casserole is simple to prepare in your crockpot, making it a convenient option without sacrificing taste. With not just one, but several servings, it's sure to satisfy your family's appetites and keep them coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
5 (sliced)
precooked ham
1 lb (diced)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1/4 lb (cubed)
onion
1 small (diced)
98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
pepper
to taste (mixed ground peppercorns)
Instructions
1
Prepare the ingredients by slicing the potatoes and dicing the onion and ham.
2
In the slow cooker, combine the sliced potatoes, diced ham, cubed Monterey Jack pepper cheese, diced onion, and the can of 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup.
3
Season the mixture with a blend of ground white, green, red, and black peppercorns to taste.
4
Stir the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 3.5 to 4 hours, or alternatively, set it to low for 6 to 8 hours.
6
The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
7
Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting dish as leftovers are sure to be a family favorite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Pepper Jack Ham and Potato Bake?
It is a creamy, savory casserole made with sliced potatoes, diced ham, and zesty Pepper Jack cheese cooked in a slow cooker.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 5 sliced potatoes, 1 lb of diced precooked ham, 1/4 lb of cubed Monterey Jack pepper cheese, 1 small diced onion, and 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup.
How many potatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 5 potatoes, which should be sliced before cooking.
How should the ham be prepared?
You should use 1 pound of precooked ham and dice it into small pieces.
What kind of cheese is used in this bake?
The dish uses 1/4 pound of Monterey Jack pepper cheese, also known as Pepper Jack, which should be cubed.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1 small onion, which should be diced.
What type of soup acts as the base for the sauce?
A 10.75-ounce can of 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup is used to create a creamy texture.
What kind of seasoning is recommended for the pepper flavor?
A mixed blend of ground white, green, red, and black peppercorns is used to season the dish to taste.
How do I cook the Spicy Pepper Jack Ham and Potato Bake?
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, stir well, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender.
How long does it take to cook on the high setting?
On the high setting, the casserole takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
If using the low setting, the dish will take between 6 to 8 hours to finish.
How do I know when the dish is ready to serve?
The bake is ready when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover ham?
Yes, it is an excellent way to repurpose leftover ham into a hearty, new meal.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its slow cooker preparation and hearty nature make it ideal for potluck gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this casserole?
The dish is savory and creamy with a spicy, zesty kick from the pepper cheese and mixed peppercorns.
Should the ingredients be stirred?
Yes, you should stir the mixture well in the slow cooker to ensure the ingredients and soup are evenly distributed.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this potato bake.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal cooked entirely in a slow cooker.
What is the serving suggestion for this bake?
It should be served hot as a comforting main or side dish.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, leftovers of this dish are highly recommended and are often a family favorite.
What makes the recipe a 'lower fat' version?
The use of 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup helps reduce the fat content compared to standard versions.
Do I need to cook the potatoes before adding them to the crockpot?
No, the potatoes should be raw and sliced; they will cook until tender in the slow cooker.
What tags describe this recipe's style?
Tags include casserole, slow cooker, ham, potatoes, comfort food, and easy recipes.
Is the ham used in the recipe raw?
No, the recipe specifically calls for precooked ham.
What kind of texture does the Monterey Jack cheese provide?
When cubed and slow-cooked, it melts to provide a creamy and slightly spicy texture.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the intensity of the Pepper Jack cheese and peppercorns used.
Can I prep the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can slice the potatoes and dice the ham and onion ahead of time for quicker assembly.
How much soup should I use?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Is this an easy weeknight meal?
Yes, the simple preparation and slow cooker method make it perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I season the mixture?
Season it to your personal preference using a blend of mixed ground peppercorns.