In my experience, cheesy casserole recipes are universally loved by kids and adults alike—especially when they involve the decadent combination of ham and cheese. This ham and potato casserole recipe smothers hearty ham and tender chunks of potatoes in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It’s like au gratin potatoes but easier to put together, since the potatoes don’t need to be sliced thin or be layered just right.
This ham casserole is also pretty versatile. It’s just as hearty as mac and cheese with ham, so you could easily serve it for lunch or dinner. But the potatoes make it suitable for breakfast, like an eggless ham and cheese breakfast casserole. It makes great addition to a brunch spread for those who don’t like (or can’t have) eggs.
Ingredients for Ham and Potato Casserole
- Ham: Use the leftovers from a holiday ham recipe, or pick up a ham steak from the store. Deli ham works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same chunky texture.
- Potatoes: Starchy russet potatoes are an excellent choice for this recipe. They’ll soak up the sauce’s rich flavor and add a fluffy texture to the casserole. Waxy Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option, too.
- Cheese sauce: This homemade cheese sauce is similar to the bechamel we make for baked mac and cheese. It starts with a roux—a combination of butter and flour—which thickens the milk into a creamy consistency. Then, we add grated cheddar cheese for bold flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Parboil the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, and add enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes are crisp-tender.
Editor’s Tip: Parcooking the potatoes cuts down on the baking time. If you don’t want to simmer them on the stovetop, check out these other ways to cook potatoes.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook and stir it for four to six minutes or until tender. Stir in the flour until blended.
Then, gradually whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for one to two minutes or until it has thickened.
Stir in the cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese is melted. Then, stir in the ham.
Step 3: Bake the ham and potato casserole
Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Top the potatoes with the sauce.
Cover and bake until the potatoes are almost tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Let the casserole stand for five minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Use frozen potatoes: Turn this into a frozen potato recipe with frozen, cubed hash brown potatoes.
- Make it spicy: Add a can of green chiles, hot sauce or crushed red chili flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Add vegetables: To give the dish a potatoes O’Brien spin, cook chopped green and red bell peppers with the onions. Or add baby spinach or chopped asparagus to the cheese sauce to give it a similar flavor profile to ham and asparagus strata.
- Change the cheese: Most melting cheeses work in this recipe. Mix up the flavor with smoked cheddar, Gruyere, fontina or pepper jack.
- Use another meat: This potato casserole tastes delicious with other meats, like bacon, sausage, ground beef or turkey. Cook the meat fully before adding it to the cheese sauce.
Can you make ham and potato casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble this ham and potato casserole ahead of time, and store the unbaked casserole, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake the casserole as directed, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the potatoes to become tender.
How to Store Ham and Potato Casserole
Store leftover ham and potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave until they reach an internal temperature of 165°.
You can also freeze ham and potato casserole for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat as directed.
Ham and Potato Casserole Tips
Do you have to peel potatoes for ham casserole?
We peel the potatoes for this ham and potato casserole recipe, but it’s not required. Unpeeled potatoes give the casserole a rustic look and texture. Just make sure to wash the potatoes well to remove any dirt or debris.
How do you serve ham and potato casserole?
This casserole is a great addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Serve it with a side of bacon, poached eggs or any of your favorite brunch recipes. For lunch or dinner, pair this ham casserole with fresh sides like arugula salad, roasted vegetables or protein-packed grilling recipes.
