This comforting ham and potato casserole is the ultimate way to transform leftover holiday ham into a rich, satisfying meal.
Tender chunks of potato are paired with savory bites of ham, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes up bubbly and golden.
It’s the kind of hearty dish that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend brunch, this casserole delivers classic flavors with minimal effort.
The buttery breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch, while the creamy cheddar sauce ties everything together into a warm, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (1 ½-quart) casserole
Ingredients
- 6 small potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 7 tablespoons butter, divided
- ⅔ pound cooked ham, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
Directions
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until just tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 ½-quart baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the ham and chopped onion, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Gently fold the drained potatoes into the ham mixture, then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a smooth, lightly golden paste forms, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ham and potato mixture. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Chefs Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- If you like a crispier topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.