Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole

Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender ham mingling with creamy, bubbling cheese and perfectly cooked potatoes. Our Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that wraps you in warmth with every bite. This effortless slow cooker wonder combines savory ham chunks with velvety cheese sauce and hearty potatoes for a meal that practically makes itself. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing casserole with minimal effort while maximizing flavor in ways your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole stands out for countless reasons that will make it a regular in your meal rotation. First, the convenience factor is unmatched—simply layer ingredients, set your crockpot, and return to a complete meal hours later. The contrast between the tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and the slightly firm ham pieces creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting.

The rich cheese sauce forms a golden, slightly crispy edge around the sides of the crockpot while maintaining a creamy center that coats each ingredient perfectly. The versatility is another major selling point; it works as a hearty main dish, a substantial side, or even a potluck superstar that travels well.

What truly sets this casserole apart is how it transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, with the ham infusing the potatoes with a delicious smokiness that store-bought potato casseroles simply can’t match.

Ingredients

For this spectacular Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole, gather:

• 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (¼-inch thickness)
• 1½ pounds (680g) cooked ham, cubed into ½-inch pieces
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup (100g) Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust according to ham’s saltiness)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Use leftover holiday ham or quality ham steaks from your butcher for the best flavor. For the cheeses, always grate them yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the creamy sauce.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole from good to extraordinary, follow these essential techniques:

First, slice your potatoes uniformly thin (about ¼-inch thickness) to ensure they cook evenly. Using a mandoline slicer is ideal, but a sharp knife and careful cutting work well too. Inconsistent potato thickness leads to some pieces being overcooked while others remain undercooked.

Second, create a quick roux before adding liquids to your crockpot. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour until golden (about 1 minute), then gradually incorporate the cream and broth. This extra five-minute step prevents the dreaded grainy texture that can occur when flour is added directly to the slow cooker.

Finally, resist the urge to peek! Every time you lift the crockpot lid, you’re adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time as heat escapes. Trust your timing and keep that lid firmly in place until the recommended cooking time is complete. If you must check, do so only during the final 30 minutes to test potato tenderness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all ingredients measured and ready. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, uniform slices (about ¼-inch thick), immediately placing them in cold water to prevent browning. Cube the ham into bite-sized ½-inch pieces, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred both cheeses and combine them in a bowl, reserving ½ cup for the final topping.

Step 2: Create The Base Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden and smells nutty. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, creating a smooth sauce. Add the thyme, pepper, salt, and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Layer The Casserole

Spray your 6-quart crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Layer one-third of the potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot, slightly overlapping them. Top with one-third of the ham pieces, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheese mixture. Pour about one-third of the cream sauce over this layer. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheese on top and continue cooking uncovered until melted and slightly golden.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Once done, let the Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish that adds a subtle bite to complement the creamy casserole. Serve warm alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Transform your Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole with these delicious adaptations:

For a loaded baked potato version, add 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon and ½ cup of sour cream to the sauce mixture. Top the finished casserole with extra bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream before serving for that classic loaded potato flavor profile.

Create a vegetable-packed version by adding 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (thawed) between your layers. This colorful variation adds nutritional value and makes the dish more visually appealing, perfect for encouraging vegetable-reluctant family members to enjoy a more balanced meal.

For those requiring a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this slurry to the butter and onion mixture, then proceed with adding your liquids as directed in the original recipe. The resulting sauce will be equally creamy without containing any gluten.

Storage and Serving

Your Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For the best reheating results, place refrigerated portions in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a delightful texture contrast. For an elevated weekend brunch, pair with poached eggs and fresh fruit. When serving as a side dish for a holiday meal, complement it with green vegetables like steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape better. Avoid waxy varieties as they won’t absorb the flavors as well.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare all components up to 24 hours ahead, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble in the crockpot when ready to cook. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting with cold ingredients.

Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, assemble in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the top.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into the casserole, and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the casserole won’t be quite as rich. Avoid regular milk as it may curdle during the long cooking time.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, savory embrace of tender potatoes and smoky ham enveloped in a blanket of melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that transforms mundane weeknight dinners into memorable family gatherings and makes brilliant use of leftover ham after holidays. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning satisfying meals for the week ahead, this fuss-free crockpot creation delivers warmth and flavor without demanding hours of your attention in the kitchen.

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