Leftover Ham 'n' Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe
Leftover Ham 'n' Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked dish made with tender potatoes, diced cooked ham, onions, a flavorful cream sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy one-pan recipe transforms leftover ham into a comforting family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or holiday leftovers. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying casserole with a golden, bubbly topping and hearty flavor in every bite. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, this timeless recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the diced ham and half of the onion.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese sauce.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a buttery texture, while russet potatoes become extra fluffy.
- Leftover baked or smoked ham works best.
- Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Covering the casserole helps the potatoes cook evenly.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.