Of course! Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, cheesy, and perfect for using up leftover ham. It’s a complete meal in one dish.
Here is a classic, highly-rated recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Classic Ham and Potato Casserole
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy sauce, tender potatoes, savory ham, and a crispy, cheesy topping.
Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
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Ingredients
For the Casserole:
· 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
· 3 tablespoons butter
· 1 medium onion, finely diced
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 2 cups cooked ham, diced (about ½-inch cubes)
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· ½ cup sour cream
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
· Salt and black pepper to taste (be careful with salt as the ham is already salty)
For the Topping:
· ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
· 2 tablespoons butter, melted
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Sauce & Ingredients: Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a good amount of black pepper. Taste before adding salt. Fold in the diced ham.
5. Layer the Casserole: Place the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy ham and cheese sauce over the potatoes and gently stir to ensure all the potato slices are coated. Press the mixture down into an even layer.
6. First Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Prepare Topping: While it bakes, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and parsley in a small bowl.
8. Add Topping and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the buttered panko mixture.
9. Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, the sauce is bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
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Tips for Success & Variations
· Potato Prep: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness, about ⅛-inch. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.
· Avoid Curdling: Don’t boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as high heat can cause it to curdle. Just heat it through.
· Make it Lighter: Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
· Add Vegetables: Feel free to add in layers of flavor with vegetables like:
· 1 cup of frozen peas or corn (thawed and stirred into the sauce).
· 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets (blanched for 2 minutes first, then mixed in).
· Sautéed mushrooms added with the onions.
· Crispy Topping Alternative: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can crush ¼ cup of plain potato chips or French fried onions for the topping.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before adding the topping and baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal