Description
Creamy Crockpot Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole loaded with ham, potatoes, and cheese. Easy, comforting, and perfect for a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 470 calories per serving
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Fat: 33 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 115 mg