Ham-Potato Casserole

Ham-Potato Casserole Recipe - Delicious & Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Ham-Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. This casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Ham-Potato Casserole are not well-documented, but it is likely that this dish has been a popular comfort food in many households for generations. The combination of ham and potatoes is a classic pairing that is both flavorful and filling.

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into medium-size pieces
1.75 cups cooked, chopped ham
1 lb (454 g) cooked, chopped luncheon meat or 1 can of sliced store-bought luncheon meat
0.5 cup chopped onions (red, white, or yellow only)
1 can (10.75 oz (305 g)) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
1 can of milk
1 can of store-bought mushroom or chicken soup
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (cheddar, colby-Jack, colby, parmesan, or monterey jack), divided
2 tsp salt (optional)
2 tsp pepper (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13-by-9 inch baking pan.
In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes with water and cook until they are almost tender.
Drain the potatoes and place them in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the chopped ham, luncheon meat, and onions over the potatoes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the soup, milk, and 0.5 cup of cheese. Add salt and pepper, if desired.
Spread the soup mixture on top of the ham and potato mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot.
Serve the casserole warm, either plain or with other appetizers, main dishes, or side dishes.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a different taste.
Substitute cooked chicken or turkey for the ham for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are almost tender before assembling the casserole. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and soft when the casserole is finished baking.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the soup mixture for extra flavor.

- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham-Potato Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or dinner rolls.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include boiling the potatoes until almost tender, layering the ingredients in a baking dish, and baking until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ham, you can use cooked bacon or sausage instead. You can also use different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ham-Potato Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fruit. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Ham-Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham-Potato Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham-Potato Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham-Potato Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham-Potato Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham-Potato Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Ham-Potato Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham-Potato Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Ham-Potato Casserole. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a thank you for my hard work, she invited me into her cozy kitchen for a warm cup of tea.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping our tea and chatting about the upcoming holidays, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a smile and said, "I think you'll enjoy this one, dear. It's been a family favorite for generations."

I eagerly took the recipe card and read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of ham, potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce sounded absolutely delicious. Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her mother, and then to her.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing the recipe with me and promised to make it for my family soon. As I left her house that day, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation to try out this new dish.

When I got home, I immediately set to work preparing the ingredients for the Ham-Potato Casserole. I diced the ham into small pieces, peeled and sliced the potatoes, and grated the cheese. The creamy sauce came together easily with a mixture of milk, flour, and butter on the stovetop.

Once everything was ready, I layered the ham, potatoes, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish, sprinkling breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the casserole baked was incredible, filling the kitchen with a comforting smell that reminded me of home.

When the casserole was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss – the savory ham, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese melted together perfectly in each mouthful. It was a dish that warmed both the heart and the stomach, a true comfort food that brought back memories of cozy family dinners and holiday gatherings.

From that moment on, Ham-Potato Casserole became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for my family on special occasions, for potluck dinners with friends, and even for church events. Everyone who tried it raved about how delicious it was, and I always proudly shared the recipe with them, just as Mrs. Jenkins had done for me.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe for Ham-Potato Casserole, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I would throw in some vegetables like peas or carrots, or switch up the type of cheese for a different flavor profile. Each time I made the casserole, it brought me joy and satisfaction, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

As I grew older, I began to think about the legacy I would leave behind for my own grandchildren. I wanted to pass on not just recipes, but the stories and memories that went along with them. I started putting together a handwritten cookbook, filled with all of my favorite recipes and the tales that accompanied them – like the story of how I learned to make Ham-Potato Casserole from Mrs. Jenkins on that chilly autumn afternoon.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and culinary wisdom I have gathered over the years. Each dish tells a story, a connection to the past and a bridge to the future. And as I continue to cook and share these recipes with my loved ones, I know that the tradition will live on, just as it has for generations before me.