Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

Looking for the perfect dish to bring warmth and flavor to your table? Look no further than this delectable Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole. When comfort food cravings strike, this dish comes to the rescue, combining the savory goodness of ham, the creaminess of cheddar cheese, and the heartiness of potatoes in one satisfying meal.

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a memory-maker. From cozy weekend brunches to bustling holiday gatherings, every bite of this casserole brings people together with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish has a way of disappearing from plates and hearts alike.

With a golden cornflake topping, gooey cheddar layer, and toasty edges, this casserole is a true delight. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is a go-to that never fails to impress. So, gather your loved ones, savor each cheesy bite, and create new traditions with this Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole that’s bound to become a staple in your home.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and Flavorful: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich flavors and creamy textures that make it a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings and family dinners.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with substitutions like different types of meat, cheeses, and toppings, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences or to use up ingredients on hand.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prep in advance by assembling the casserole the day before or freezing it for longer storage, making it a convenient option for busy days or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake Recipe

• Irresistible Comfort Food: This cheesy ham and potato casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
• Crowd Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with both family and guests, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Memorable Family Moments: The process of making this casserole can create beautiful memories, turning a simple dish into a cherished family tradition.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with different proteins like turkey or chicken, various types of cheese, and alternative toppings like buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.
• Make Ahead: The casserole can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining.
• Midwestern Comfort: Embraced by many Midwestern households, this casserole brings a sense of tradition and warmth to any gathering.
• Pairing Options: Enjoy the casserole with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, or even steamed broccoli or frozen peas for added color and nutrition.

Ingredients for Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

Base Mixture

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 can (295 g) cream of chicken soup
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

• 1/2 cup cornflakes, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Pro Tips for Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

For a perfect cheesy layer, be generous with the cheddar cheese—it adds gooey deliciousness to every bite. When storing leftovers, tightly cover the casserole with foil or a lid and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, cut it into portions, wrap well, and freeze, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready to enjoy later.

Don’t limit yourself to ham; try using diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even roasted vegetables as tasty alternatives. If cornflakes aren’t available, get creative with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a flavorful topping. To add balance to your meal, serve the casserole with a simple green salad or roasted veggies, or pair it with scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

How to Make Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together thawed hash browns, diced ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion until well combined.

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking, then spread it evenly in the prepared casserole dish.

Step 4: Prepare Topping

In a different bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter, ensuring even coating.

Step 5: Add Topping

Evenly sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving hot.

Storage Tips

Once the cheesy ham and potato casserole has finished cooking and has cooled completely, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavors. To store the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept refrigerated for up to three days. For longer storage, consider cutting the casserole into individual portions, wrapping them well, and freezing them. When ready to enjoy the frozen portions, simply reheat them in a covered dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through for the best texture.

For added convenience, you can also prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it (except for the topping) a day in advance and refrigerating it. When you are ready to bake the casserole, simply add the cornflake topping just before placing it in the oven. This dish is a versatile and comforting option for gatherings and celebrations, and by following these storage tips, you can enjoy its creamy and cheesy goodness whenever you desire.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a fresh twist, consider using diced cooked chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables in place of the ham for a different flavor profile. These alternatives can work equally well in the casserole and bring their unique taste to the dish.

If you prefer a different creamy base, feel free to swap the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or condensed cream of mushroom soup. These substitutions can cater to personal preferences or dietary restrictions while still maintaining the comforting and rich texture of the casserole.

For a variation in texture and taste, you can experiment with different types of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar. These cheeses offer a milder flavor profile while still providing the essential gooey and melty texture that makes the casserole so satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. For a cozy dinner, serve generous portions alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole. To elevate the dish for brunch, pair it with fluffy scrambled eggs and a side of steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and nutrition. The gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese and crunchy cornflake topping make each bite a delightful experience, perfect for creating warm family memories around the dining table.

For a twist on this classic recipe, try using fresh diced potatoes instead of hash browns or switch up the proteins with cooked chicken or turkey. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles. Feel free to customize the topping with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for added crunch. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for later, this comforting casserole is sure to become a staple in your home, bringing joy to every gathering and celebration.

FAQs for Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes—just peel, dice, and parboil them until slightly tender before adding.

What can I substitute for ham in this casserole?

Cooked chicken, turkey, or even roasted vegetables work as savory swaps for the ham.

Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken?

Homemade white sauce or condensed cream of mushroom soup can be used if preferred.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish (except topping) a day ahead and refrigerate. Add cornflake topping just before baking.

Conclusion

As you savor every bite of this scrumptious Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole, let it bring you warmth and comfort just like it does for my family. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or sharing it at a potluck, this dish has a magical way of disappearing quickly, leaving behind satisfied smiles and happy bellies.

Remember, the beauty of this Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste by trying different cheeses, meats, or even toppings. Embrace the joy of cooking and creating memories with your loved ones, just like how every crumb that missed the pan turned into a laughter-filled moment with my cousin. So gather around the table, dig into this creamy and cheesy goodness, and create your own traditions with this delightful Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole.

Savory Cheesy Ham Potato Bake

Indulge in the comforting layers of gooey cheddar, creamy potatoes, and savory ham in this crowd-pleasing Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time35 Minutes

Total Time50 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (One large casserole for 8 servings)

Ingredients

Base Mixture

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 can (295 g) cream of chicken soup
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

• 1/2 cup cornflakes, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together thawed hash browns, diced ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion until well combined.
3. Season and Arrange: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking, then spread it evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
4. Prepare Topping: In a different bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter, ensuring even coating.
5. Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving hot.