Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 45 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutesServings: 8Course: Main Dish / CasseroleCuisine: AmericanIngredients2½–3 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or diced2 cups cooked turkey ham, diced2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded and divided4 tablespoons butter¼ cup all-purpose flour2 cups milk½ cup sour cream1 small onion, finely diced2 cloves garlic, minced½ teaspoon black pepper½ teaspoon paprikaSalt, to tasteFresh chopped parsley, optional for garnishInstructionsPreheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Prepare the potatoes. Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into thin, even slices or small cubes. Place them in boiling water and cook for about 5–7 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Drain thoroughly.Cook the onion and garlic. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.Make the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.Add the cheese. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with black pepper, paprika, and salt to taste. Reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar until melted. Remove from the heat and mix in the sour cream.Assemble the casserole. Arrange half of the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the diced ham and spoon some of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.Add the topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the casserole.Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.Rest and serve. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.TipsCut your potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a stronger cheesy flavor.Taste the sauce before adding much salt because ham and cheese are already salty.You can add broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or green onions.Freshly shredded cheese generally gives you a smoother melted texture.Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the creamy sauce thicken around the potatoes.StorageStore leftover Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.Make-Ahead OptionYou can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to serve it, bake as directed, allowing a little additional cooking time if the casserole is still cold.Optional VariationsBroccoli Ham Potato Casserole: Add 1–2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli.Extra Cheesy: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.Vegetable Version: Add peas, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.