Finished CrockPot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole served with green onions on a rustic plate.

Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole

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Imagine coming home after a long day and smelling a delicious meal. Sharing meals with loved ones makes life special. The Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole turns simple gatherings into unforgettable moments.

This easy recipe lets you enjoy good food and company without stress. It has tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheese, all cooked perfectly in your crockpot. It’s more than food; it’s a symbol of home, warmth, and togetherness.

Slow cooker filled with the prepared ingredients for CrockPot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole.

Key Takeaways

  • Crockpot recipes save 30-60 minutes of active cooking time, perfect for busy families.
  • Ham and potato casseroles are popular during colder months, with 60-70% of consumers preferring warm meals.
  • This casserole serves 12, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
  • The average cost to prepare this dish is budget-friendly, ranging from $10 to $15.
  • Comfort food recipes, including casseroles, have seen a 35% increase in popularity during fall and winter.

Introduction to Comfort Food

Comfort food is about dishes that make you feel warm inside. They remind you of happy times with family. These meals are special because they bring back good memories.

Comfort food does more than fill your belly. It also feeds your soul. Take the Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole, for example. It’s made with familiar ingredients that make you feel better. The creamy potatoes and savory ham and cheese are perfect examples of comfort food.

Mixing the ingredients for CrockPot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole in a mixing bowl.

What Makes This Casserole Unique?

The Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole stands out. It’s easy to make and tastes great. You don’t need to cook it in the oven. Just layer the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.

This dish is special because you can make it your own. Choose your favorite cheeses and add veggies you like. Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses make it creamy. Frozen diced potatoes save time and make it hearty.

This casserole is different from others. It has cubed ham for extra protein. It’s perfect for family dinners and using up leftovers. It’s a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for CrockPot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole arranged on a rustic kitchen counter.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole

Making a tasty Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole needs the right ingredients. These key parts make a creamy, hearty dish that everyone will love. Knowing these ingredients helps you cook with ease and joy.

Essential Ingredients

First, gather these important ingredients:

  • 28 ounces frozen diced potatoes with peppers and onions
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
  • 3 pounds boneless fully cooked ham, halved lengthwise

Together, these ingredients make a cozy cheesy potato casserole perfect for any time.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Want to add more flavor? Try these optional ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped cooked ham (great for using leftovers)
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup water (to retain moisture)
  • Seasonings such as garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusted to taste

Adding these can give your casserole a unique twist. It becomes your own special dish.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Creating the perfect Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole is all about prep and cook times. It’s designed for a quick, hearty family meal. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time and Cook Time Overview

Prep time for this casserole is 20 to 30 minutes. You can chop fresh veggies or use frozen ones. Cooking time in the crockpot is 3 to 4 hours.

This flexibility is great for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Cooking it in a slow cooker is convenient. You can set it and do other things while it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole serves about 6 people. It’s perfect for family meals or social events. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve alongside steamed vegetables to enhance the overall meal.
  • Accompany with crusty bread for a satisfying texture.

These side dishes complement the casserole well. They make for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole is easy. Just follow these simple steps for a meal that’s sure to please. The layering is key, spreading flavors and textures evenly.

Layering Ingredients

Start by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray. This makes food easier to serve and prevents sticking.

  • Layer 1: Place one-third of the Yukon Gold potatoes as the base.
  • Layer 2: Add a layer of cooked and diced ham, followed by sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Layer 3: Sprinkle in your choice of optional ingredients, such as onions or spices.
  • Repeat the layering process two more times until all ingredients are used up, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.

Cooking Settings: Low and High

After layering, pick your cooking setting. You can choose from:

  • Set to low for 5 to 6 hours for a more tender and well-blended result.
  • Alternatively, choose the high setting for 4 hours if you are pressed for time.

Stir the casserole well towards the end of cooking. This mixes flavors and makes it creamy.

Nutritional Information

Knowing what’s in your food can make meals better. The Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole is both tasty and good for you. It has a great mix of nutrients.

Calories and Macronutrients

A serving of this casserole has about 394 calories. It has 22g of total fat, with 14g of saturated fat. You’ll get 11g of protein and 36g of carbs, with 5g of sugars and 2g of fiber.

This mix of nutrients makes for a filling meal. You’ll know exactly what you’re eating.

Vitamins and Minerals Content

This casserole is packed with good stuff. It has important minerals like calcium and potassium. You’ll get about 219mg of calcium and 2mg of iron.

It’s also full of Vitamin C, with about 57mg. This helps a lot with your daily needs. These nutrients add flavor and health benefits.

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

To make the perfect Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole, pay close attention to details. Choosing the right potatoes and seasonings is key. This makes the dish a hit with your family.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

For this casserole, use starchy potatoes like Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold. These potatoes are creamy and soak up flavors well. Slice them thinly for even cooking and flavor.

This method ensures a rich flavor and satisfying texture in your casserole.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings

Seasoning tips can greatly improve your casserole’s taste. Add herbs and spices like thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. These add depth and complexity.

Feel free to try different seasonings to match your family’s taste. Thoughtful seasoning choices make the casserole delicious and satisfying.

Common Variations of the Recipe

This casserole has many recipe variations that please different tastes. You can try new ingredients to make it your own. Swap turkey or crispy bacon for a fresh twist. These changes keep the casserole hearty but add new flavors.

Adding veggies like carrots, green beans, or mushrooms boosts nutrition and taste. They add color and flavor, making the casserole customizable. Try different cheeses too. Switching from cheddar to Monterey Jack or Gruyère changes the taste, offering endless meal options.

Make it fun by changing the soup type. Try cream of mushroom or spicy queso for a new taste. Each change makes it your own, keeping the casserole a favorite at dinner.

Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole: A Family Favorite

Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole is a beloved dish in many homes. It adds warmth to family meals. With just seven ingredients, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Preparing this casserole takes about 15 minutes. Then, the slow cooker does the rest. This lets you spend more time with your family.

The recipe uses 4 medium potatoes and 2 cups of diced ham. It’s great for using leftover holiday ham. Cooking time is around three hours if you use frozen shredded hash browns.

Adding vegetable broth or water can deepen the flavor. This makes it one of your favorite casserole recipes.

This dish serves six people, with each serving about 1 cup. Each serving has 373 calories. It’s a balanced choice for family meals.

Adding 1 cup of shredded cheese 30 minutes before serving makes it even better. It adds richness and flavor.

Leftovers can be stored for up to five days in the fridge or frozen for later. It’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Its flavors and comfort make it a favorite at dinner.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole is a true comfort food. It’s perfect for busy families. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and cooks slowly, making it flexible.

This dish tastes amazing and brings people together. It’s great for family meals and potlucks. It’s a hit at any gathering.

The mix of creamy ingredients and crunchy Corn Flakes is a hit. It’s perfect for holidays or weeknights. You can also change it up with different ingredients.

In short, this casserole is more than a recipe. It’s a warm, comforting dish that brings people together. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ

How do I store leftover Crockpot Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover it, and refrigerate. On cooking day, just set the slow cooker and enjoy!

What can I serve with the casserole?

Serve it with a light salad, steamed veggies, or garlicky green beans. This adds balance to the meal and complements its rich flavors.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and dice them into small pieces for even cooking. Increase cooking time slightly to make them tender.

Is it possible to make this casserole healthier?

Absolutely! Use low-fat cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to make it healthier. Adding spinach, kale, or zucchini boosts nutrition.

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