This delightful ham and potato casserole recipe comes from a popular YouTube cooking video that’s perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. The creators share their family-favorite dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special – creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.

What makes this recipe so beloved is how forgiving and flexible it is, just like the best comfort food should be. Whether you have two cups or three cups of leftover ham, whether you prefer russet or Yukon gold potatoes, this casserole welcomes whatever you have on hand and turns it into a dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Transform leftover ham into a creamy, cheesy casserole that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Make your own simple white sauce instead of using canned soup for better flavor and freshness
• This flexible recipe adapts to whatever ingredients you have available, making it perfect for busy families

Working with Your Holiday Ham Leftovers

Creative Ways to Transform Holiday Ham

Holiday ham doesn’t have to mean endless sandwiches. That beautiful leftover ham sitting in your fridge is perfect for creating something special.

Ham casseroles bring families together around the dinner table. The rich, smoky flavor pairs beautifully with creamy sauces and tender potatoes.

Many home cooks reach for canned soup, but making your own sauce creates something truly memorable.

This type of dish works for any meal of the day. Serve it for a hearty breakfast with fresh biscuits, or make it the star of dinner with warm dinner rolls on the side.

It has that cozy bed-and-breakfast feel that makes everyone feel at home.

Measuring Your Ham Portions

Getting the right amount of ham doesn’t require perfect precision. Three cups of cubed ham works best for a full-sized casserole. Two cups will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.

The beauty of using leftovers means flexibility is key. Work with what’s in your refrigerator rather than stressing over exact measurements.

• Ideal amount: 3 cups cubed ham
• Minimum amount: 2 cups cubed ham
• Slice thickness: Use any leftover ham slices you have

Remember that bigger chunks mean more ham flavor in every bite. Don’t worry about making everything perfectly uniform.

Cutting and Preparing Your Ham

Start by laying your ham slices flat on a cutting board. Cut the ham into cubes that are roughly half-inch to one-inch pieces.

The exact size doesn’t matter much since everything gets mixed together.

Easy Cubing Method:

1. Stack 2-3 ham slices together
2. Cut strips going one direction
3. Turn and cut the opposite way to create cubes
4. Keep pieces roughly the same size for even cooking

Clean hands work best for this job. Don’t stress if some pieces end up bigger than others.

The rustic, homemade look adds to the charm of this comfort food dish.

The ham will distribute throughout the casserole, so uneven cuts won’t affect the final result. Focus on getting enough ham cut rather than making perfect cubes.

Getting Your Potatoes Ready

Best Potato Types for Your Casserole

When it comes to making a cozy casserole, the right potato makes all the difference. Russet potatoes are the star of the show here. They break down just enough to create that perfect creamy texture we all love.

Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully too. They hold their shape a little better and add a buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with ham and cheese.

You’ll want about 2.5 pounds of potatoes for a hearty casserole. That might sound like a lot, but trust me – everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Should You Remove the Skins?

This is one of those kitchen decisions that’s totally up to you! Peeling the potatoes gives you that classic, smooth casserole texture that reminds me of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.

But here’s the thing – you don’t have to peel them at all. Leaving the skins on adds extra nutrition and saves you time.

Just give them a good scrub first.

If you’re feeling fancy or want that traditional look, go ahead and peel. If it’s a busy weeknight, skip the peeling and call it rustic!

Easy Potato Cooking Method

Getting your potatoes ready is simpler than you might think. Start by cutting your potatoes into cubes – aim for about half an inch to one inch pieces.

Don’t stress about making them perfect. This is comfort food, not a cooking competition!

Here’s the simple process:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil
2. Add your diced potatoes to the boiling water
3. Cook for about 5 minutes after the water returns to a boil
4. Drain well and set aside

The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a little firm.

Pro tip: If you’re really pressed for time, frozen diced potatoes work in a pinch. Just thaw them first and skip the boiling step.

Sometimes we all need those little shortcuts that make dinner happen!

The Cheese Selection

Choosing Your Cheese Wisely

When it comes to this cozy casserole, cheddar cheese really steals the show. There’s something about that sharp, creamy flavor that just feels like home in a dish like this.

Fresh block cheese makes all the difference here. Sure, the pre-shredded stuff from the bag works fine, but buying a block and grating it yourself gives you that fresher taste.

The packaged cheese has some extras added to keep it from clumping together, which can affect the flavor just a bit.

Fresh Grated vs Store-Bought

Here’s the scoop on cheese choices:

Fresh Block	Pre-Packaged
Better melting	More convenient
Fresher flavor	Ready to use
No anti-caking agents	Contains additives
Takes extra time	Saves prep time

Grate however you want – there’s no fancy technique needed here. Just use whatever grater you have on hand.

A simple box grater works perfectly fine for this recipe.

Getting the Cheese Amount Right

Start with 8 ounces of cheese – that’s going to give you about 2 cups once it’s all grated up. This might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s just right for this hearty dish.

Here’s how to split it up:

• 1½ cups gets mixed right into the casserole
• ½ cup gets saved for sprinkling on top

You can eyeball these measurements. No need to be too precise – this is comfort food, after all.

The cheese on top creates that golden, bubbly finish that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster.

Making Your Own Creamy Base

Starting Fresh with Butter and Onions

Nothing beats making your own sauce from scratch, and it’s honestly not as hard as you might think. While many folks reach for that trusty can of cream of mushroom soup, there’s something special about creating your own rich base that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Start by melting three tablespoons of unsalted butter in your pan over medium heat. The butter creates that golden foundation that makes everything taste like home.

Next, grab a medium yellow onion and chop it up. Don’t worry about perfect pieces – this is comfort food, not fancy restaurant fare.

Sauté those onions in the melted butter until they get nice and soft. This step builds amazing flavor that you just can’t get from a can.

Once your onions are tender, sprinkle in three tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This creates what cooks call a roux – basically the thickening agent that turns your liquid into that gorgeous, creamy sauce we’re after.

Picking Your Dairy for Best Results

Here’s where you can really make this sauce shine. Pour in two cups of good whole milk – and yes, it needs to be the fresh stuff, not anything that’s been hanging around too long in your fridge.

Milk options that work beautifully:

• Whole milk (the standard choice)
• Half and half (for extra richness)
• Heavy cream (when you want to feel fancy)

Skip the skim milk or even 2% for this recipe. You’re making a ham and cheese potato casserole, so let’s go all the way and make it worth every bite.

The fat content helps create that silky texture that coats everything perfectly.

Stir this mixture constantly and cook until it thickens to a nice gravy consistency. This only takes a few minutes, so don’t wander off to fold laundry just yet.

Adding Flavors That Count

Once your sauce reaches that perfect thickness, it’s time to wake up those taste buds with some simple seasonings. These aren’t fancy ingredients – just pantry staples that pack a punch.

The perfect seasoning blend:

• ½ teaspoon dried mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

The dried mustard adds a subtle tang that plays beautifully with ham, while the garlic powder gives everything a savory depth. Don’t skip the salt – it brings all the flavors together like a conductor leading an orchestra.

Stir everything until it’s well mixed. You’ll have a gorgeous, thick sauce that’s ready to coat all your ham, potatoes, and cheese in creamy goodness.

Bringing It All Together

Blending for Perfect Coverage

Once you have your creamy sauce ready and all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. You can mix everything right in your baking dish if you want, but many home cooks prefer using a large mixing bowl first.

The mixing process is simple:

• Add your pre-cooked diced potatoes to the bowl
• Pour in your cubed ham pieces
• Add 1½ cups of your shredded cheese
• Pour the warm sauce over everything

The key is making sure every potato and ham piece gets coated with that rich, creamy sauce. This ensures even cooking and prevents any dry spots in your casserole.

Take your time here – a well-mixed casserole means every bite will be perfectly balanced.

Choosing the Right Dish Size

Dish flexibility makes this recipe perfect for any family size:

Dish Type	Serves	Notes
Large cast iron skillet	8-10 people	Great for presentation
9×13 baking dish	8-10 people	Classic choice
Smaller dishes	4-6 people	Just cut back on ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is that you can really eyeball the proportions based on what you have on hand. Got two cups of ham instead of three?

That works perfectly fine. Need to use a smaller dish?

Just reduce everything proportionally.

Remember: This is comfort food made from leftovers, so there’s no need to stress about exact measurements. The most important thing is getting that sauce ratio right with your butter, flour, and milk.

Adding the Final Cheese Layer

The last step before baking is sprinkling that final half cup of cheese on top. This creates a beautiful golden, bubbly top that makes the whole casserole look restaurant-worthy.

For the best cheese topping:

• Use freshly shredded cheese when possible
• Block cheese melts better than pre-shredded
• Spread evenly across the entire surface
• Don’t skip this step – it adds great texture

This final cheese layer doesn’t just look good – it creates a lovely contrast between the creamy interior and the slightly crispy, golden top. It’s those little details that turn simple leftovers into something the whole family will ask for again and again.

Cooking Your Ham and Potato Bake

Best Dishes to Use

This hearty casserole works beautifully in a heavy cast iron Dutch oven, which distributes heat evenly and gives that perfect golden top. A 9×13 inch baking dish works just as well for families who prefer the traditional casserole approach.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Smaller households can easily cut everything in half and use an 8×8 dish.

Larger families might want to double the recipe and use two dishes for Sunday dinner.

Checking for Perfect Doneness

The casserole reaches perfection when the top turns golden brown and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges. The potatoes should feel tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese on top should be melted and slightly crispy.

Most ovens will need about 30-35 minutes at 350°F. Every oven runs a little differently, so trust your eyes and nose.

That wonderful aroma of melted cheese and ham will fill the kitchen when it’s ready.

Preparing Early and Warming Up

This casserole becomes even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for busy moms who like to prep ahead. The dish can be assembled completely, covered tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.

For reheating leftover portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. Individual servings heat beautifully in the microwave for quick breakfasts or lunches.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
• Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight before baking
• Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold

Ways to Serve This Dish

Food Combinations That Work Well

This ham and potato casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with its rich, creamy flavors. Warm dinner rolls make the perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of that cheesy goodness. The combination creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

For a lighter touch, consider adding a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The crisp textures provide a nice contrast to the casserole’s creamy consistency.

Morning, Evening, or Weekend Meals

This versatile dish shines at any time of day. For breakfast, it brings that cozy bed-and-breakfast feeling right to your kitchen table. There’s something special about starting the day with warm potatoes, melted cheese, and savory ham.

Dinner service works beautifully when you want comfort food that satisfies the whole family. It’s filling enough to be the main event with just a simple side or two.

Weekend brunch might be where this casserole truly belongs. It has that relaxed, leisurely feel that makes weekend mornings extra special.

Making This the Main Attraction

When you want this casserole to take center stage, presentation matters. The golden, bubbly cheese top creates an inviting look that draws everyone to the table.

Serve it straight from the baking dish for that homestyle appeal. The cast iron or ceramic dish becomes part of the charm, showing off those crispy edges and melted cheese.

Pro tip from the kitchen: Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set up nicely and makes serving much easier.

Plus, it gives you time to gather everyone around the table for a proper family meal.

Creative Twists and Family Favorites

Quick Shortcuts for Hectic Evenings

When dinner time rolls around and everyone’s hungry, this casserole becomes your best friend. You can swap out the homemade sauce for canned cream of mushroom soup if time is tight.

Nobody will judge you for taking shortcuts on busy weeknights.

Potato Prep Made Simple:

• Use frozen diced potatoes straight from the bag
• Skip peeling if you like rustic texture
• Boil fresh potatoes for just 5 minutes before adding

The beauty of this dish is that measurements don’t need to be perfect. Got 2 cups of ham instead of 3?

That works just fine. Your casserole dish will tell you how much you need.

Making Magic with Different Leftovers

This recipe works wonders beyond just Easter ham. Try these tasty swaps that’ll make your family think you’re a kitchen wizard.

Protein Alternatives:

• Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving
• Cooked chicken pieces
• Even leftover roast beef works beautifully

Cheese Options:

• Sharp cheddar gives extra flavor punch
• Colby jack adds mild creaminess
• Mix two cheeses for extra richness

The sauce base stays the same no matter what you throw in. Just cube everything into bite-sized pieces and you’re golden.

Old-Fashioned Touches Worth Trying

Some variations bring back memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. These tweaks add special touches that make the dish feel extra cozy.

Try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk for an extra rich sauce. It turns this humble casserole into something that feels like a special occasion dish.

Seasoning Combinations:

• Classic Comfort: Dried mustard and garlic powder
• Country Style: Add fresh thyme and a pinch of sage
• Bold Flavor: Sprinkle in some paprika

The homemade cheese sauce makes all the difference compared to store-bought versions. Block cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded since it doesn’t have anti-caking agents.

Your sauce will be silky and perfect every time.

This casserole tastes like something you’d find at a charming bed and breakfast. It hits all the right comfort food notes and makes everyone at the table happy.