Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole brings creamy, cheesy comfort in 5 simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights and festive gatherings alike.
Hey, I’m Linda! Welcome to Tasty at Home, where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last December, I stood in my kitchen with leftover holiday ham and a serious case of cooking fatigue. You know that post-celebration exhaustion when you’d rather order takeout than face another elaborate meal?
Well, that’s when I threw together this Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole. Five ingredients from my fridge transformed into pure comfort magic. The creamy sauce bubbled around tender potatoes while sharp cheddar created those irresistible golden-brown edges.
My family devoured it faster than the fancy dishes I’d labored over for hours. Sometimes the simplest recipes become the most requested ones. This 5-ingredient recipe has saved countless weeknights since then, and it’s about to become your new go-to comfort dish too.
Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole Special
This isn’t just another casserole recipe. This Cheesy Potato creation combines minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff. I’ve tested dozens of variations over three years, and this version consistently delivers restaurant-quality results.
The secret lies in the harmony between tangy sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Together, they create a velvety sauce that coats every potato cube. Sharp cheddar cheese adds that essential punch of flavor while forming a crispy, golden crown on top.
Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- aluminum foil
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounces Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns Keep frozen until mixing
- 2 cups Diced cooked ham ¼-inch cubes work best
- 10.5 ounces Cream of chicken soup Campbell’s recommended
- 1 cup Sour cream Full-fat preferred
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Position oven rack in the center.
- Combine frozen potatoes, diced ham, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until well combined, ensuring every potato piece is coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Ingredient Quality Makes the Difference
Choose thick-cut deli ham over thin slices for better texture and flavor concentration. Look for blocks of sharp cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties—they melt more smoothly without cellulose additives. Full-fat sour cream creates the richest, creamiest sauce, though reduced-fat works in a pinch.
Your frozen potatoes should be solid, not clumped together in the bag. This indicates proper freezing and storage. Organic potatoes offer slightly better flavor, but conventional varieties work beautifully too.
Complete Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns | 32 ounces (1 bag) | 900g | Keep frozen until mixing |
| Diced cooked ham | 2 cups | 300g | ¼-inch cubes work best |
| Cream of chicken soup | 10.5 ounces (1 can) | 298g | Campbell’s recommended |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | 240g | Full-fat preferred |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups | 225g | Freshly shredded |
Smart Shopping Tips for American Grocery Stores
Head to the frozen section first—Ore-Ida and Alexia both make excellent diced potatoes. The deli counter offers the best ham options, though pre-packaged varieties from Hillshire Farm or Boar’s Head work wonderfully. Target, Kroger, and Walmart all stock these essentials year-round.
Grab your cream of chicken soup from the canned goods aisle. Look for low-sodium versions if you’re watching salt intake. The cheese section near dairy carries blocks of sharp cheddar—Tillamook, Cabot, and Cracker Barrel are my top picks.
Bold Add-Ins & Creative Variations
Transform this basic 5-ingredient recipe into something extraordinary with strategic additions. Diced bell peppers add color and sweetness. Sliced green onions provide fresh bite and visual appeal. A dash of garlic powder deepens the savory notes.
For holiday gatherings, consider stirring in frozen peas or corn for extra festivity. Crumbled bacon on top creates an irresistible smoky layer. These enhancements push beyond the basic formula while maintaining simplicity.
International Substitutions
European readers can swap double cream for sour cream, though add a tablespoon of lemon juice for tanginess. UK cooks should use gammon instead of ham. Australian friends can substitute tasty cheese for sharp cheddar.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works when chicken soup isn’t available. Japanese markets sell similar condensed cream soups that adapt perfectly. The core technique remains consistent across ingredient variations.
Essential Equipment & Preparation Steps
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish—glass or ceramic works equally well. A large mixing bowl accommodates all ingredients comfortably. Grab aluminum foil for the initial baking phase. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula handles mixing duties.
Don’t own a proper baking dish? A disposable aluminum pan from the dollar store works in a pinch. Just place it on a baking sheet for stability. No large bowl? Mix directly in the baking dish if you’re feeling rebellious.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat fully—this takes about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. Pay special attention to corners where ingredients love to stick.
Position your oven rack in the center position. This ensures even heat distribution around the casserole. Trust me, I once baked this on the bottom rack and ended up with a burnt bottom and undercooked top—rookie mistake!
Step 2: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Open your bag of frozen potatoes and pour them directly into your large mixing bowl. Add the diced ham next. The cold potatoes keep everything at a safe temperature while you work.
Spoon in the entire can of cream of chicken soup. Add your full cup of sour cream. These creamy components bind everything together into that luxurious sauce you’re craving.
Step 3: Mix Until Well Combined
Stir everything together with confident strokes. You want every potato piece coated in that creamy mixture. The sauce should look pale and uniform throughout.
Don’t overmix—30 seconds of stirring does the job perfectly. Aggressive stirring breaks down potatoes and creates mushiness. Think gentle folding rather than vigorous beating, as Thomas Keller advises for delicate mixtures.
Step 4: Transfer to Your Baking Dish
Pour the potato mixture into your prepared dish. Use your spatula to spread everything into an even layer. Smooth the top surface gently—this helps cheese melt uniformly later.
Tap the dish lightly on your counter. This settles ingredients and releases air pockets. You’ll notice the mixture compacts slightly, which is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Blanket
Sprinkle all 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the entire surface. Create a complete cheese blanket with no gaps. Those bare spots won’t develop that gorgeous golden crust we’re after.
The cheese might seem like a lot—it’s supposed to be! This generous layer creates those crispy, caramelized edges that make this Cheesy Potato Casserole irresistible. Go edge to edge with your coverage.
Step 6: Covered Baking Phase
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover your dish completely. Crimp the edges tightly around the rim. This traps steam inside, cooking potatoes evenly and keeping the top from browning too quickly.
Slide the covered dish into your preheated oven. Set a timer for 45 minutes. During this phase, potatoes tenderize while the sauce bubbles and thickens underneath that protective foil shield.
Step 7: Uncovered Browning Phase
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil—watch for the steam release! The cheese should look melted but pale. Return the uncovered dish to the oven immediately.
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching closely during the final 5 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown cheese with darker spots around the edges, until bubbly and gorgeous. Those crispy, caramelized bits deliver the most intense flavor, just as Julia Child championed for achieving perfect gratins.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove your casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken further. The dish firms up slightly, making serving cleaner and easier.
Cut into squares with a sharp spatula. The first piece always comes out messy—that’s casserole law! Subsequent servings will be cleaner and more presentable for your guests.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Never thaw your frozen potatoes before mixing. Frozen potatoes release less moisture and maintain better texture. Thawed potatoes turn mushy and make your casserole watery.
Shred cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh cheese creates that luxurious, cohesive cheese blanket you see in professional kitchens.
Let your casserole rest the full 5 minutes before serving. Oops! I once skipped this step for impatient dinner guests and ended up with soup on plates instead of neat squares. Patience pays off here.
Make-Ahead Magic for Busy Schedules
Assemble this Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole completely up to the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This strategy transforms hectic weeknights into stress-free dinner victories.
Storage & Reheating Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Cover tightly with foil |
| Freezer (cooked) | 2-3 months | Use airtight container |
| Room temperature | 2 hours max | Discard after this |
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes at 50% power. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Oven reheating takes 20 minutes at 325°F, covered with foil.
Large portions reheat best in a 300°F oven for 25-30 minutes. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream before reheating to restore moisture. The cheese won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Creative Variations to Try
Southwestern Holiday Ham Casserole: Add 1 cup of salsa and substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar. Toss in a can of drained black beans for extra protein. Top with crushed tortilla chips during the final 10 minutes.
Loaded Baked Potato Version: Mix in 6 strips of crumbled bacon and ½ cup of diced green onions. Replace half the cheddar with Monterey Jack. Serve with extra sour cream and chives on top.
Herb Garden Variation: Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Add 1 cup of frozen peas for color. Use Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar for sophisticated flavor.
Thanksgiving Leftover Makeover: Substitute diced turkey for ham and add dried cranberries. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken. This transforms holiday leftovers into something everyone actually wants to eat.
Breakfast Casserole Twist: Add 4 beaten eggs to the mixture before baking. Include 1 pound of cooked breakfast sausage alongside the ham. Bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes for a brunch-worthy dish.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Potato Casserole shines as a main dish for casual dinners. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.
For holiday spreads, serve alongside glazed carrots and dinner rolls. The casserole complements BBQ sausage bites perfectly at potluck gatherings. It’s hearty enough to anchor a meal yet versatile enough to play supporting role.
Consider serving with pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer beforehand for an impressive spread. Iced tea or lemonade makes excellent beverage companions. Beer drinkers love pairing this with a crisp pilsner or amber ale.
Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen in this Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole?
Yes, but you’ll need to parboil them first for 5-7 minutes until barely tender. Dice 2 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into ½-inch cubes, boil briefly, drain completely, then proceed with the recipe. Fresh potatoes add about 15 minutes to your prep time.
How do I prevent my casserole from turning out watery?
Keep your potatoes frozen until mixing, and never thaw them beforehand. Drain any excess liquid from ingredients before combining, and let the finished casserole rest for the full 5 minutes before serving. This 5-ingredient recipe produces the perfect consistency when these steps are followed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth before reheating, then cover tightly with foil. Microwave individual portions at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 20-25 minutes. The moisture addition keeps everything creamy and delicious.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely—simply omit the ham and increase the cheese to 3 cups total. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for substance. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for a completely vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
Transform Your Weeknight Dinners Starting Tonight
This Holiday Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Five simple items combine into something your family will request repeatedly. The golden-brown cheese crust conceals tender potatoes swimming in creamy sauce—pure comfort food perfection.
Whether you’re facing post-holiday leftovers or just craving cozy comfort, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s become my secret weapon for potlucks, busy weeknights, and surprise dinner guests. Let me tell you, nothing beats pulling this bubbling masterpiece from the oven.
Try serving it alongside our French onion meatball bake for an unforgettable comfort food feast. Or start your morning right with cinnamon roll protein overnight oats before diving into casserole prep. These simple combinations create memorable meals without the stress.
Ready to create your own Holiday Ham magic? Gather those five ingredients and get cooking tonight. Drop a comment below sharing how yours turned out—I love seeing your variations and hearing your family’s reactions. What creative add-ins are you planning to try first?
