Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Are you staring down a mountain of leftover ham after a holiday feast? Don’t let it go to waste! Transform that savory ham into a comforting and delicious Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole. This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover ham and potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Casserole

* **Perfect Leftover Solution:** This casserole is designed to utilize leftover ham and cooked potatoes, reducing food waste and saving you money.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham and tender potatoes, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to personalize this casserole to your liking.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners or potlucks.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Leftover Ham:** The star of the show! Diced or cubed.
* **Cooked Potatoes:** Boiled, baked, or roasted potatoes work perfectly. Diced into bite-sized pieces.
* **Onion:** Adds savory flavor and aroma.
* **Butter:** For sautéing the onion and adding richness to the sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** To thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** The base of the creamy sauce.
* **Chicken Broth (or Ham Broth):** Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** For cheesy goodness. You can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds tanginess and creaminess.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A touch of Dijon mustard enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
* **Garlic Powder:** For subtle garlic flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Complements the fresh onion flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped fresh parsley, green onions.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started on making this delicious Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole! Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

**Preparation (Approximately 20 minutes):**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare Ham and Potatoes:** Dice the leftover ham and cooked potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. **Chop Onion:** Finely chop the onion.
4. **Shred Cheese:** Shred the cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice).

**Making the Creamy Sauce (Approximately 15 minutes):**

5. **Sauté Onion:** In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
6. **Make Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
7. **Whisk in Liquids:** Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth (or ham broth) until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid any lumps.
8. **Add Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve the other half for topping the casserole.
9. **Add Seasonings:** Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be flavorful and slightly tangy.

**Assembling the Casserole (Approximately 10 minutes):**

10. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, cooked potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
11. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the ham and potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
12. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
13. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crispy topping. You can also add a dash of paprika for color or chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish.

**Baking (Approximately 25-30 minutes):**

14. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
15. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

**Serving:**

16. **Serve Hot:** Serve the Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, peas, carrots, or green beans. You can either cook the vegetables separately before adding them to the casserole or add them raw and let them cook in the oven. Frozen vegetables work well in this recipe.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh or dried herbs can add extra flavor to the casserole. Try adding thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
* **Use Cream of Mushroom Soup:** For an even quicker and easier sauce, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup for the milk, broth, flour, and butter.
* **Add a Crust:** For a more substantial casserole, top it with a layer of mashed potatoes or a pastry crust before baking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce, or substitute the flour with cornstarch. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Add Bacon:** Everything is better with bacon! Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the casserole before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
* **Change up the Potatoes:** Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole. Using roasted garlic mashed potatoes will give it a gourmet flair.
* **Make Individual Casseroles:** For portion control or a more elegant presentation, divide the mixture into individual ramekins before baking.
* **Breadcrumb Topping Variations:** Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs for added flavor. Crush butter crackers or potato chips for a unique topping.
* **Add a Fried Egg:** Top each serving with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
* **Make it Creamier:** Substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for some of the milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy in the casserole. Cook them until they are just tender.
* **Use a Mandoline:** If you’re using raw potatoes, use a mandoline to slice them thinly for even cooking.
* **Don’t Skip the Seasoning:** Seasoning is key to a flavorful casserole. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or broth. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Keep an Eye on the Cheese:** Watch the casserole closely while it’s baking to prevent the cheese from burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil.

## Serving Suggestions

This Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
* **Coleslaw:** The tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the savory casserole nicely.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A classic summer side dish that goes well with any casserole.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** If you have leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, it can be a delicious addition to this meal.
* **Roasted Asparagus:** Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, making it a perfect complement to the savory casserole.
* **Spinach Salad:** Adding a spinach salad with a warm bacon dressing adds a touch of sophistication to the meal.
* **Mashed Sweet Potatoes:** The sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes complements the saltiness of the ham.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Printable Recipe Card

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups diced leftover ham
* 4 cups cooked, diced potatoes
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup chicken broth (or ham broth)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped parsley, green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Cook until thickened.
5. Reduce heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine ham, potatoes, and cheese sauce.
7. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with remaining cheese and optional toppings.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Notes:**

* Customize with different cheeses, vegetables, and herbs.
* Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
* Adjust seasonings to taste.

## Conclusion

This Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole is a delicious and practical way to use up leftover ham and potatoes. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, next time you have leftover ham, don’t hesitate to whip up this fantastic casserole! Enjoy!