Savory Leftover Ham and Potato Casserole 🍽️🥔

Looking for a comforting dish to use up leftover ham? This savory casserole is the answer! Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender potatoes and flavorful ham, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy everyone at the table. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. 🥗

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 6 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons butter (plus 1/4 cup for the sauce)
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.

3. Cook the Ham and Onion: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed ham and finely chopped onion, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked potatoes into the ham mixture and transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.

5. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the ham and potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top for added texture.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also brighten the dish!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the ham for cooked mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. This makes it hearty and delicious!
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
• Breakfast Casserole: Add some beaten eggs to the potato and ham mixture before pouring the cheese sauce on top for a breakfast twist!

Enjoy this delightful casserole, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your leftovers! 🍽️✨