Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly balances comfort and indulgence? The Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole is just that—a delightful blend of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese that warms the heart and fills the belly. This casserole offers a harmonious medley of flavors and textures, bringing together crispy edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior that leaves you wanting more.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even cozy weeknight dinners. I remember making this casserole during chilly autumn evenings when my family would gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter. The rich aroma wafting from the oven promised a hearty meal everyone could enjoy. Prepare to indulge in this comforting dish that guarantees satisfaction and smiles all around.
Key Ingredients For Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Potatoes: Use about 4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes for their creamy texture when baked.
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Diced Ham: Choose high-quality smoked or honey ham for added flavor; about 2 cups will work well.
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Shredded Cheese: Combine cheddar and mozzarella for a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess; about 3 cups total.
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Heavy Cream: A cup of heavy cream adds richness; substitute with milk if you prefer a lighter version.
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Sour Cream: About half a cup enhances creaminess; opt for full-fat sour cream for the best results.
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Onion Powder: One teaspoon adds depth of flavor; feel free to use fresh onions if desired.
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Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper to taste enhances the overall seasoning without overpowering it.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Second Step : Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel your potatoes before slicing them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Third Step : Mix Your Base
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until fully mixed to create your creamy base.
Fourth Step : Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering in the baking dish by placing half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Follow with half of the diced ham and then sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over it. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
Fifth Step : Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble up nicely.
Sixth Step : Serve
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer portions onto plates and enjoy this hearty casserole warm!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality ham will significantly enhance flavor.
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Add Vegetables: Consider adding frozen peas or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
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Make It Ahead: Prepare your casserole a day in advance; it can sit in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced ham, shredded potatoes, and cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Next, pour in your choice of cream soup for a creamy texture. Stir everything together until well mixed. Transfer this delicious mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with additional cheese if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect as a hearty main dish or a delightful side. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the casserole. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
For special occasions, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a touch of freshness and color. This not only enhances the presentation but also elevates the flavor profile of this comforting dish.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers of your Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe, allow it to cool completely. Then transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Reheating is simple; just warm it in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess if needed.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe! For a unique twist, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can substitute ham with cooked bacon or turkey for different protein options.
Vegetarians can swap out meat for mushrooms or spinach while keeping all other ingredients intact. Experimenting with different types of cheese like Swiss or pepper jack can also add intriguing layers of flavor to your casserole.
FAQs
Can I make this Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time! Simply assemble all ingredients in your baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember that if you decide to bake it straight from the fridge, you may need to extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
For the best results using this Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties provide a fluffy texture when baked and absorb flavors well. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they tend to hold their shape better and won’t give you that creamy consistency you’re looking for.
Can I use frozen potatoes in this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work great in this Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe. They save time on preparation since they’re already diced and partially cooked. Just be sure not to thaw them before mixing; add them directly into your mixture for optimal results.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole Recipe freezes well! Ensure that it’s fully cooled before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.
Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Yummy Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This hearty dish features layers of creamy russet potatoes, savory diced ham, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. With its crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth interior, every bite promises warmth and satisfaction. Bring this delightful casserole to your table and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups diced smoked or honey ham
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, followed by half of the diced ham and one cup of cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes to allow cheese to bubble.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
