Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting way to use leftover ham. Full of diced ham, peas, potatoes and a creamy cheese sauce. It’ll be family favorite!

I live in a house where people aren’t crazy about leftovers. That means that when it comes to using them up, I’ve got to get a bit creative. I have to turn it into something completely different. That is where casseroles come in to play. They are the perfect way to use up leftovers while turning them into something comforting and delicious.

Take this Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole for instance. It is the perfect way to use leftover ham from your holiday dinner. It is loaded with diced ham, tender potatoes and peas then topped with a creamy cheese sauce and cheddar cheese before baking.

Like I said, comforting and delicious! Let’s talk about what you’re going to need to make it.

Ingredients you’ll need:

You don’t need a lot of ingredients to get this casserole on the table and most of them are pantry staples so you’re likely to have them on hand.

• HAM: This recipe is the perfect way to use up that leftover ham from your Christmas or Easter dinner. You’ll just want to chop into small pieces.
• POTATOES: A couple of russet potatoes is what you’ll need for this recipe. For texture purposes, I recommend peeling the potatoes.
• FROZEN PEAS: No need to thaw them before using.
• ONION
• BUTTER: To saute the onions, ham and peas.
• FLOUR: This will thicken the cheese sauce.
• CHICKEN BROTH: Use low-sodium chicken broth to help control the salt content since both ham and cheese are on the salty side.
• HEAVY CREAM: This will give the cheese sauce it’s richness.
• CHEDDAR CHEESE: Medium or sharp cheddar will work. Make sure that you grate it yourself for best results.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

One of my favorite things about casseroles is how easy that they are to make. Follow along with these step by step instructions and photos.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• Step #1: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork tender. This will take about 5 – 7 minutes.
• Step #2: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions. Cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add in potatoes and ham. Transfer to a 13×9 Casserole dish.
• Step #3: In the same pan that you sautéed the onions in melt the remaining butter, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. It’s important to cook the flour for 1 minute to avoid any floury taste. Then whisk in the chicken broth and slowly add cream. Whisk in pepper and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Step #4: Pour the cheese sauce mixture over the top of the ham and potatoes. Top with more cheddar cheese and cover with aluminum foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is browned.

I don’t list any additional salt in this recipe because the ham and cheese are naturally pretty salty. I suggest sprinkling salt after cooking or adding some to the ham/potato mixture before baking.

Storage and Leftovers:

This casserole will keep for a few days in the refrigerator and reheats great! Simply warm in a 325 degree oven until warmed through.

You can also make this casserole ahead of time to the point of baking and refrigerate until ready to use. If heating from cold, it may take a little longer to cook.

I love this Ham Potato Casserole because it’s a complete meal with the ham as your protein, carbs from potatoes and veggies from the peas. That being said, a green salad with some garlic vinaigrette would be a great side!

Looking for more ways to use leftover ham? Try these recipes:

Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day!

For a lunch idea turn that leftover ham into Ham Salad for a sandwich!

Turn that Christmas ham into a New Year’s appetizer with these Ham Gruyere Bites