The Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for feeding a hungry family with ease. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe combines savory diced ham, melty cheddar cheese, tender hash browns, and a rich sour cream sauce into a soul-warming meal. Let it slowly cook to perfection while you go about your day, no stress, no fuss.
This dish is especially great for using up leftover ham, making it ideal after the holidays or any time you want a cozy, make-ahead dinner. Whether served as a brunch centerpiece or a weeknight dinner, this casserole brings the creamy, cheesy joy of homestyle cooking to your table with every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes
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2 cups diced cooked ham
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup chopped onion
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen hash browns, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared crockpot and spread it out evenly.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
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Optional: Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Classic for Any Occasion
If you’ve ever looked for a dish that checks all the boxes, comforting, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and almost effortless, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole. This hearty, slow-cooked dish is everything you want on a chilly night or when you need to serve a hungry crowd with minimal effort. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from tender hash brown potatoes, savory chunks of ham, and a creamy, comforting base of sour cream and cream of chicken soup.
This casserole makes an appearance in kitchens year-round but really shines as a go-to after the holidays when leftover ham is abundant and meal prep needs to be easy. Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you focus on everything else life throws your way. Whether you’re preparing it for brunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or a holiday side dish, this recipe never fails to please.
Why This Dish is So Popular
One of the most appealing aspects of this ham and cheesy potato casserole is how accessible it is. It uses everyday ingredients that are probably already in your fridge or freezer. Frozen hash browns make this recipe incredibly convenient, no peeling or dicing required while cooked ham adds substance and flavor. Whether you use leftover spiral ham, deli ham, or pre-diced options from the store, this dish is extremely flexible.
The flavor profile is deeply comforting. You’ve got the soft, pillowy texture of slow-cooked potatoes, the richness of melted cheddar cheese, and the slight saltiness of ham all mingled together in a creamy base. The slow cooker ensures everything gets perfectly melded together, and there’s nothing quite like the savory aroma that fills your home while it cooks.
Perfect for Leftovers and Make-Ahead Meals
Leftover ham is a big motivator for making this dish, especially around major holidays like Christmas or Easter. Instead of letting that extra ham sit in your fridge for days, chop it up and add it to this cheesy casserole. It’s a smart way to avoid waste while creating something truly delicious.
Additionally, this casserole is excellent for meal prepping. You can easily mix all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the crockpot insert. Then, just set it and forget it in the morning. It’s also freezer-friendly: prepare the mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for later. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and cook as directed.
A Dish for Every Season and Setting
Though it feels especially perfect during the colder months, the Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is a dish you’ll want to enjoy all year round. It’s excellent served at brunches alongside fresh fruit, muffins, and coffee or even as a dinner entree paired with a crisp green salad.
Bringing this casserole to a potluck or family gathering is always a hit. It travels well, keeps warm in the slow cooker, and serves a crowd without breaking the bank. The ingredients are affordable, the cooking method is forgiving, and the results are always delicious.
Customization Options
While the base recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, one of the best parts about this dish is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
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Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of peas, broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers for a veggie boost.
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Switch the Soup: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist on the flavor.
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Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
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Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you could use pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a deeper flavor.
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Crunchy Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or French fried onions on top for some crunch.
This kind of flexibility makes it a favorite for home cooks of all levels and appetites.
Nutritional Comfort with Portion Control
While cheesy casseroles aren’t often labeled as “light,” this recipe provides a balance of protein from the ham and satisfaction from the potatoes and cheese. Each serving is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially when paired with lighter sides like steamed vegetables or a leafy green salad.
You can even lighten up the recipe by using reduced-fat sour cream, a lighter cheese blend, or opting for a lower-sodium ham to reduce salt content. Swapping out cream of chicken soup for a homemade low-sodium version is another way to make this recipe more health-conscious without losing its comforting nature.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out the meal, consider pairing this casserole with:
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Steamed green beans or asparagus for a bright, fresh contrast
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Crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
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Buttery dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce
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A glass of Chardonnay or a light lager, which complements the creaminess of the dish
For brunch occasions, serve it with fruit salad, mimosas, or even scrambled eggs for a complete spread.
Crowd-Favorite and Kid-Approved
Let’s face it, kids can be picky. But this dish has the creamy-cheesy comfort food appeal that even the fussiest eaters tend to enjoy. The familiar flavors and soft textures make it easy to serve to young children, and it’s substantial enough to fill up hungry teens or adults.
It’s also an excellent option for gatherings where you need to feed different age groups. No matter the crowd, someone will be asking for seconds.
Storage and Reheating
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little milk or cream to loosen it back up.
To freeze, portion the casserole into single servings or freeze it whole. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before sealing in a freezer-safe container. Label it, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is more than just a meal, it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It brings together simple, pantry-staple ingredients into something truly satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover ham, need an easy recipe to toss into the slow cooker before work, or want a reliable dish to share with friends and family, this casserole delivers every time.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavor profile make it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Add it to your next meal plan or holiday menu, and don’t be surprised when it becomes one of your most requested dishes.