Description
Crockpot Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake
A cheesy, creamy casserole with savory ham and tender potatoes that cooks to perfection in your crockpot. It’s the perfect comfort food!
Ingredients:
Diced potatoes, ham, onion
Cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar, sour cream
Instructions:
Combine the potatoes, ham, and onion.
Mix the sauce ingredients and layer over the potatoes and ham.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Stir before serving and top with parsley.
#HeartyCasserole
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time.
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice 2 pounds of potatoes (like russets or Yukon Golds) into 1-inch cubes. Chop one medium onion. Cube 1.5 pounds of cooked ham.
- Layer the base: Lightly grease your crockpot insert. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and cubed ham. Stir gently to combine.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix one (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup (undiluted), 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of milk or broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the potato and ham layers. Do not stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add cheese and finish: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Re-cover the crockpot to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Stir the casserole gently to incorporate the melted cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. For a bright contrast, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette or steamed green beans. A side of crusty bread or rolls is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a brunch twist, top individual servings with a fried or poached egg.
How-to Summary
Dice potatoes, ham, and onion into the crockpot. Whisk together soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings, then pour over top. Cook on LOW 6-7 hrs. Add cheese 30 mins before serving, stir, and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes, you can use frozen diced hash browns. There’s no need to thaw them; just add them directly to the crockpot. The cook time may be slightly shorter.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or celery soup are excellent substitutes. For a homemade version, mix a simple roux with sautéed mushrooms and broth.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the raw ingredients and sauce in the crockpot insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. The next day, place the cold insert into the base and add 30-60 minutes to the cook time.
Why are my potatoes still hard? This usually means they were cut too large or the crockpot is old and cooking at a lower temperature. Ensure potatoes are diced uniformly (1-inch max) and extend the cook time in 30-minute increments.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stirring During Cooking: Avoid stirring until the end. Lifting the lid releases heat and steam, significantly increasing cooking time.
- Uneven Potato Cuts: Dicing potatoes into uniform sizes ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding cheese at the beginning can cause it to separate and become oily. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Using a crockpot that’s too small will result in uneven cooking. Use a 6-quart or larger model for this recipe.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake is the epitome of easy, satisfying comfort food. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you get a creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly tender and delicious result every single time.
