Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty goodness of potatoes, the savory richness of ham, and the creamy, melted charm of cheese? Look no further! This Potato Ham Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight meals, or when you simply need a delicious pick-me-up, this recipe promises to become an instant favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel potatoes, then dice them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure the potato pieces are roughly uniform in size to promote even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced potatoes, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the soup mixture over the potato and ham mixture, stirring carefully to ensure all ingredients are coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote uniform cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to help steam the potatoes and keep moisture locked in.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Potato Preparation: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, and make sure to cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Ham Selection: Use high-quality, pre-cooked ham for the best flavor. You can use leftover holiday ham or deli ham for convenience.
- Cheese Variation: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or a blend for added depth of flavor.
- Moisture Control: The aluminum foil technique helps steam the potatoes and keep the casserole moist. Don't skip this step!
- Golden Brown Perfection: Removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes allows the top to crisp up and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
