Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is the epitome of down-home comfort food. It brings together tender chunks of potato, savory ham, and melty cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce that slowly simmers into perfection. Whether you’re repurposing holiday leftovers or making it fresh, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Ideal for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prepping, it requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker method. Just layer the ingredients, set the timer, and let your kitchen fill with mouthwatering aromas. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and absolutely irresistible – the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

  2. Layer half the diced potatoes in the crockpot, followed by half the ham and half the onion.

  3. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the layer.

  4. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, ham, and onion, topping with the second cup of cheese.

  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well blended.

  6. Pour the sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.

  7. Dot the top with butter pieces.

  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole

When it comes to the perfect balance between comfort food and convenience, this Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole hits all the right notes. It’s rich, savory, creamy, and filled with simple ingredients that transform into something magical when slow-cooked together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, making the most of leftover holiday ham, or just craving something warm and hearty, this dish delivers both satisfaction and flavor in every bite.

This casserole brings together three comfort food staples cheese, potatoes, and ham to create a meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also incredibly filling. The best part? It’s made in the crockpot, which means less time hovering over the stove and more time doing what you love. Slow cookers are beloved for their set-it-and-forget-it convenience, and this recipe utilizes that function to the fullest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing:
This casserole is always a hit with kids and adults alike. The cheesy, gooey texture appeals to even the pickiest eaters. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, holiday brunches, church potlucks, or casual family gatherings.

2. Versatile Ingredients:
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or leftover-friendly. Got extra ham from Easter or Christmas? This is the perfect way to use it. No cream of chicken soup? Swap it for cream of mushroom or cheddar soup. Want to add more veggies like peas or corn? Go for it!

3. Budget-Conscious:
Potatoes are one of the most cost-effective ingredients, and using leftover ham makes this dish even more affordable. It feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

4. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor:
Just layer the ingredients into your crockpot, mix the creamy sauce, and let your slow cooker do the magic. In a few hours, you’ll have a bubbling, creamy, cheesy delight ready to serve.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Potatoes: The base of the casserole. Yukon Golds or Russets work well. They hold their shape but also get wonderfully tender as they cook.

  • Ham: A salty, savory protein that adds texture and depth. Diced thick slices work best.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings sharpness and creaminess to the dish.

  • Cream of Chicken Soup & Sour Cream: These create the luscious sauce that ties everything together.

  • Onions and Garlic Powder: Aromatics that boost the overall flavor.

  • Milk: Helps loosen the sauce and ensure it’s not too thick as it cooks.

  • Butter: Adds extra richness and helps brown the top layer if served in an oven-safe insert.

Cooking Tips & Variations

1. Don’t Overmix:
When layering in the slow cooker, avoid overmixing. Layering helps the dish cook evenly, and stirring too much can break down the potatoes.

2. Cheese Matters:
Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or a cheddar blend for variety. You can also experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked gouda.

3. Add Vegetables:
You can sneak in more nutrients by adding finely chopped spinach, corn, green peas, or even broccoli. Add them midway through cooking if they’re delicate.

4. Crisp It Up:
If you like a crispy top, you can transfer the finished casserole into a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Make It Ahead:
This casserole can be prepped the night before. Simply assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, refrigerate, and start the cooking process in the morning.

6. Freeze It:
You can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal

  • Protein: 21g

  • Fat: 27g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: ~950mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is a full meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:

  • Fresh green salad (for a refreshing contrast)

  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce

  • Pickles or relish to balance the richness with tangy flavor

  • A sprinkle of green onions or parsley for added color and freshness

Occasions to Serve

This casserole isn’t just for weeknight dinners. It’s perfect for:

  • Holiday brunches (especially post-holiday when leftovers are abundant)

  • Potlucks and church events (easy to keep warm and serve)

  • Cold winter nights (comfort food at its finest)

  • Meal trains or care packages (reheats wonderfully)

  • Back-to-school busy weeks (make it ahead and reheat)

Reader Tips & Community Add-Ins

From home cooks who have made this dish:

  • “I added chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist turned out amazing!”

  • “We used leftover turkey instead of ham, still creamy and delicious.”

  • “Swapped cheddar for Monterey Jack and added crushed Ritz crackers on top before serving, huge hit with the kids.”

  • “I cook mine for 4 hours on HIGH and get a nice caramelized edge. So good!”

Storage & Reheating

To Store:
Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

To Freeze:
Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Make It Your Own

This casserole is highly adaptable. Here are a few fun variations:

  • Tex-Mex Style: Add green chilies, cumin, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Use pepper jack cheese for extra zing.

  • Italian-Inspired: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese.

  • Loaded Baked Potato Vibe: Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate cozy meal: rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again because of how easy it is to prepare and how well it feeds a family. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or simply want to make something heartwarming with minimal fuss, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Perfect for chilly evenings, potluck gatherings, or simple family dinners, this casserole offers both flavor and nostalgia. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a staple on your meal rotation. With every creamy, cheesy, ham-filled bite, you’ll be reminded of just how comforting home-cooked food can be.

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