There’s something about a cozy casserole that brings back the warmest memories of family gatherings and chilly evenings spent huddled around the dinner table. Whenever I whip up my Easy Ham and Potato Casserole, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the inviting aroma of savory ham and creamy potatoes would fill the air, eagerly beckoning us to come and enjoy a hearty meal together. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also makes any day feel special, whether it’s a busy weekday or a laid-back Sunday. If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, you’ve come to the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: Just pop it in the oven and relax!
• Budget-friendly: Uses basic ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of ham, potatoes, and cheese is a classic favorite.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!

• 4 cups of diced potatoes (about 4 medium-sized potatoes)
• 2 cups of diced cooked ham (leftovers work great!)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (or sub with cream of chicken for a different flavor)
• 1/2 cup of milk (for a creamier base)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (fresh garlic works wonders if you have it!)
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted (if using breadcrumbs)

Note: If you want to add some greens, chopped broccoli or peas mixed in can be a lovely touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated. Don’t be afraid to use your hands for a thorough mix!
4. Transfer the mixture: Pour the potato and ham mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Optional crunchy topping: If you like a little crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole for that extra crispy goodness.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
7. Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit and makes it easier to dish out.

Personal Tip: Use a fork to check the potatoes’ tenderness! If they’re not quite ready, give it another 10 minutes.

Pro Tips & Variations

This is the part where you can have some fun and make this casserole your own!

• Add spices: A sprinkle of paprika, some cayenne pepper, or even fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the flavor.
• Cheese swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a little kick!
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ham for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious veggie casserole.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
• Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top right before serving makes for a lovely touch!

Remember, this recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

To serve, I love to pair this casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the casserole beautifully. If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll slathered with butter is perfect for mopping up any delicious creamy sauce left on your plate.

And if you want to take it the extra mile, how about a nice, hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea on the side? It all makes for a cozy dinner that feels more like a hug than a meal.

Storage Tips

Now, let’s talk about leftovers, because trust me, this casserole is just as good (if not better) the next day!

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish before or after baking. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or let it bake covered for a bit.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes are a great time-saver. Just toss them in directly and bake a few minutes longer to ensure they cook through properly.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No problem! You can use cream of chicken soup, or even make your own homemade cream sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll taste just as yummy!

How do I know if the casserole is done?

The best way to test is to poke a potato piece with a fork—if it slides right in without resistance, it’s done! The top should also be nice and golden.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. You’ll just need to adjust the baking time slightly since it will be cold from the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and leave out the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. Yum!

Conclusion

And there you have it—my go-to recipe for Easy Ham and Potato Casserole! I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Remember, cooking is all about love, creativity, and making delicious memories. I’d love to hear how your casserole turns out or if you tried any fun variations! Feel free to drop a comment below—happy cooking, my friend!