This Ham and Potato Casserole is a warm and cozy dish, perfect for family dinners. It combines tender potatoes, tasty ham, and creamy sauce for a comforting meal!
Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. I love serving it with a side salad for a complete dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen diced hash browns are super convenient for this dish. If you don’t have them, try using fresh potatoes, diced and partially cooked. It will just take a bit longer to bake.
Diced Ham: Diced cooked ham adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey ham or leftover chicken. Both offer a tasty twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar makes this casserole creamy and cheesy. For a different flavor, you can switch to Monterey Jack or Gouda. Just make sure it’s a melty cheese!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds richness. If you’re vegan or wish to avoid cream-based soups, opt for coconut cream or a homemade white sauce instead.
Sour Cream: It contributes tanginess and creaminess. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a protein boost!
How Do You Make Sure Your Casserole is Creamy and Flavorful?
To achieve the perfect creamy texture and delicious flavors, follow these steps carefully when mixing your ingredients. It’s all about blending well and layering flavors.
- Start with a large mixing bowl to keep everything easy to mix.
- Combine all the ingredients except the extra cheese at once. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Spread the mixture smoothly into the baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Don’t forget to cover with foil when first baking; this keeps the moisture in!
- Take off the foil for the last part of baking to allow the cheese to get bubbly and slightly golden.
Letting the casserole cool slightly helps it set so that each slice holds together nicely. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Ham and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ham and potato casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 45 minutes to cook. That totals about 55 minutes from start to finish, giving you a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that nice bubbly cheese topping!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced hash brown potatoes, diced cooked ham, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. It should look creamy and delicious!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Using a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the potato and ham mixture evenly across the bottom. Smooth it out with a spatula to make sure it cooks evenly.
4. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice cheesy crust when it bakes!
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. This helps steam the ingredients and makes sure it’s cooked through!
6. Remove the Foil:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. The casserole should be heated through and smell amazing!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish your casserole with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Let it cool slightly before serving to avoid any hot bites!
8. Enjoy!
Your hearty ham and potato casserole is ready to be devoured. Slice it up and enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can! Just peel and dice fresh potatoes into small cubes. You’ll need to partially cook them by boiling for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender before mixing them in the casserole to ensure they cook through during baking.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can substitute it with homemade white sauce (a mix of butter, flour, and milk), or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. Another alternative is to use sour cream mixed with chicken broth to achieve a similar consistency.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes since it’ll be starting cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave portions, but the oven will keep the texture better!
