Wondering what to make with leftover ham? This cheesy potato ham casserole is a long-time favorite that I cannot wait to pass down to your family.
Leftover Ham Casserole Recipe
This leftover ham casserole the most ridiculously easy casserole you’ll ever make and yet we looooove it. In fact, I even posted about this cheesy ham and potato bacon casserole on Instagram and everyone was commenting or even emailing/texting me for the recipe.
This leftover ham and potato casserole is a perfect dish for these chilly months, and is even better to save for when you need to use up holiday leftovers like ham, broccoli, and new potatoes.
We all need something warm, easy, delicious and that uses leftovers at this time of year and trust me, this ham and cheese casserole is it. I think this will even be loved as much as our busy day casserole that has gone so crazy with our readers.
I never know what to do with leftover ham, but my mom always made this ham and potato casserole after the holiday as a way to use up everything she had sitting around. I believe it’s actually a recipe that she grew up with.
One of the best things about this leftover ham casserole is that although you have some chopping to do, and a little frying from the bacon, there really isn’t much else to do. It’s also really easy to let your kids help grate the cheese or chop the cream cheese, and you know we are such big fans of that.
Leftover Ham Casserole Ingredients
This ham and cheese casserole recipe couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you’ll need to make this ham dinner idea:
- Red potatoes
- Onion
- Butter
- Cooked ham
- Steamed broccoli
- Light cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
How to Make Ham Casserole
Here’s a basic rundown of how to make this leftover ham casserole with cheese and potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and then add in the chopped onion. Saute until tender.
- Add the butter and onions to the pot with the potatoes, then add in the broccoli, ham, and cream cheese.
- Stir everything together, then turn into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake until heated through. Sprinkle cooked bacon over top just before serving.
Can I Prep This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Our leftover ham casserole can be prepared up to a day ahead of time and then baked when you’re ready to get dinner on the table. Just cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you bake it. It’s also a great meal to deliver to someone who needs a little help with a new baby or sick family. So if you’re looking for a meal idea for a new baby, this is it!
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Casserole?
By all means! Feel free to bulk up this ham and potato casserole with any leftover veggies you have lying around. Just be sure to cook the veggies before mixing them in with the potatoes (either saute or steam them, depending on what they are).
Can I Double This Recipe?
Very easily! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
Tips for Making Leftover Ham Casserole
If you’re vegetarian, you can easily add more veggies and skip the meat. You’d wind up with a cheesy potato casserole, which sounds absolutely delicious!
You can use any type of potatoes you have on hand, but we prefer red or gold potatoes because they are a little creamier in taste and texture. A russet is fine too, though!
Also, make sure to boil the potatoes until tender. If you don’t cook them enough, they’ll still be hard even after you bake them in this ham casserole.
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- How to Make Ham in a Slow Cooker
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- All our BEST PORK RECIPES here!
More CASSEROLE RECIPES You’re Sure to Love:
- Mexican Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
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- One Skillet Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
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- Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Casserole
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All our EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES here!
Cheesy Potato Ham Casserole
Description
Ingredients
- 6 Red Potatoes, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 Cup Onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 Cups Broccoli, chopped and steamed
- 2 Cups Ham, cooked, chopped
- 4 Ounces Neufchatel Cheese, or light cream cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 4 Slices Bacon, cooked
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray an 8×9-inch baking pan.
- Fill a pot with water and heat over medium heat.
- Add the potatoes and boil until tender when pierced with a knife, about 8 minutes.*6 Red Potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the butter and once it begins to melt add the onion.2 Tablespoons Butter, 1/3 Cup Onion
- Saute until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Dump the onion and butter into the pot with the potatoes and add the broccoli, ham and cream cheese.2 Cups Ham, 1 1/2 Cups Broccoli, 4 Ounces Neufchatel Cheese
- Stir to combine, not worrying about spreading the cream cheese as it should be left in clumps and dump into the baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bake at 350 for 25 to 35 minutes or until heated through.1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese
- Top with bacon the last minute and serve!4 Slices Bacon
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
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Helen
I hate to be the only person who has a different opinion of this dish, but I didn’t particularly like it, although my husband did. I think my main problem was that there was almost no moisture in it since the cream cheese, which I had to use since I couldn’t find neufchâtel anywhere, didn’t melt, leaving most everything pretty dry, except the very top with the shredded cheese. Also, if I had used smaller potatoes it might have been better, but the recipe didn’t specify what size, so we bought “normal” sized ones, which made the whole thing so big, it barely fit into an 8×11 baking dish. If I make it again, I might try adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to add some liquid to the dish as well as more cream cheese.
Sweet Basil
Hey Helen! I always appreciate your feedback! It has been a while since I’ve made this recipe, so I need try it again! It’s not meant to be a super creamy casserole. You could definitely add a cream of mushroom to make it a little more creamy. The potatoes can be cut to any size. I usually do 1 inch cubes.
Ashley
This is always my favorite thing to make with leftover ham. Very rich but SO good!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much Ashley!!
Lorna
This looks like a very versatile recipe. I have some leftover roast beef in gravy and I have some leftover baked potato. I am going to try these in this recipe rather than the ham and the new boiled potatoes. I also have leftover peas – I will substitute thes for the broccoli. I think that these ingredients combined with the cheese will give it a Philadelphia cheese steak type flavour.
Sweet Basil
Yes that sounds yummy!! I’d love to hear how it goes!
Michelle
Could you add 6-8 switched up eggs and make it a breakfast casserole?
Sweet Basil
Absolutely! Sounds delicious!
Amanda
Yum, yum! This was so easy, didn’t have ham so just used bacon, added butternut, cauliflower, broccoli and the potatoes. Did the cream cheese and chedder, made sure there was left overs for tonight! Going to make the Chicken with Oregano to go with it!
Sweet Basil
Bacon is always a GREAT substitute! Sounds like you made awesome upgrade choices!!! I’m so glad you like it !
Mary
Really good. I sprinkled some ranch dressing powder on it
Sweet Basil
That’s a great idea! So glad you enjoyed it!
Linda
Do you mash the potatoes?
Sweet Basil
No, we cut them into about 1 inch cubes.
Melissa
Wondering if this will hold up well in the freezer? has anyone tried?
Sweet Basil
Hey Melissa! It won’t do well in the freezer because of the dairy in it unfortunately.
Bobbie
What size red potatoes? I have a bag of small red potatoes, weight 1.5 lbs. Would this be the equivalent?
Sweet Basil
Yes that should work great!
Jules Lasater
This is super delicious and easy to make!!
Sweet Basil
Thank you! We sure love it!
Elaine Cervini
Rave reviews all around. I made this hearty casserole for my daughter and her husband one week after she gave birth. Served it with spiced peaches, and they couldn’t say enough good things about it. I doubled the recipe, so my husband and I enjoyed the goodness too.
Sweet Basil
Hurray! This is the perfect meal to take someone who has just had a baby! So glad it was a hit for you and your family!
Kaye
I can’t find the recipe. i only see the video. Thank you!
Sweet Basil
The recipe is down at the bottom of the post. Here’s a direct link to it: https://ohsweetbasil.com/cheesy-ham-and-potato-bacon-casserole/print/
2pots2cook
Top of the pops definitely !
Sweet Basil
Thanks!
Emma
Once again thanks for giving me a great family dinner idea!!!! These are ingredients that I always have on hand and am always looking at ways to “hide” those veggies. Was wondering that seeing as I have a last batch of kale growing in the garden before winter hits, could I sun that for broccoli?
Sweet Basil
Absolutely and that would be sooooo tasty! I’ll have to try that variation myself! Thank you for your kind words! We would love to hear what you think after you try it!
Michelle Edwards
Tried this today and my family loved it. As I live in Malta I used the local soft goats cheese instead of cream cheese. Will do again.
Sweet Basil
Yum that sounds delicious! We are so glad it was a hit for you and your family!
Hannah
Was trying to find a last minute recipe that incorporated bacon and ham, and happened upon this one. WOW!! so so so good! My husband couldn’t stop eating it. Definitely a keeper!
Sweet Basil
YAY!!! My mom will be so thrilled!
Holly M.
My husband loved this recipe. I prefer to roast my potatoes instead of boil them, and I think it turned out fine that way. It was very quick and easy to make! I will be making it again.
Shylah
hi there! what about adding eggs, maybe at the base for a breakfast? Thoughts or suggestions?
Sweet Basil
Shylah,
Oh my goodness, that’s a wonderful idea!! Just whisk them up, pour it over and bake just like a breakfast casserole.
Shylah
yay! i will be making this for christmas 🙂
Sweet Basil
Enjoy!
Sarah
So when I pulled the foil off this at the table tonight my 3 boys, husband included made faces, and comments (broccoli!? What!?), not of the complimentary variety. My 5 year old asked a blessing on the food that it would please, please taste good. Well, his prayer was answered. They all went on and on about how good it was, went back for seconds and thirds, etc. I loved it. Tasted like a super yummy, creamy loaded baked potato with the broccoli as the best part. Definitely a keeper!
Sweet Basil
HAHA!! I love when kids bless the food to taste good. I always smirk a little. Thank you for coming back to comment!
Jackie
I made this yesterday, and it is by far one of the best casseroles I’ve ever had. I wasn’t sure how I’d like anything with warm cream cheese in it, so I cut down the cream cheese to 3 oz. instead of 4 oz. This taught me to not judge something till you try it. The cream cheese added such a nice dimension to the overall flavor. Instead of using all of the shredded cheddar on the top, I layered 1/2 of the cheese in the center, and 1/2 on top. I also used petite frozen broccoli florets. I have 2 grown daughters and I recommended this recipe to them. One of my daughters is not a fan of cooked ham, so I imagine you can easily substitute your favorite fully cooked gourmet chicken sausage or other cooked sausage- there are so many tasty varieties out there! THANK YOU for this DELICIOUS recipe. I think I will pull this out to make for friends for a casual supper. This will be a keeper!
Sweet Basil
Jackie, I love your comment! I hope this helps so many people out. Warm cream cheese totally sounds odd at first, but it works and I’m doing your layering this week as I’m making it too!
Jackie
I happened on your recipe while looking for a way to use leftover Easter ham! It looks wonderful and I plan to make it, but I have just a few questions? First, when you say “8 X9” pan, do you mean an 8 X 8 or a 9 X 9 pan? Also, when you call for chopped potatoes, do you mean cubed? One more thing, can I use either frozen chopped broccoli, or frozen petite broccoli florets? Thank you so much!!
Sweet Basil
Hi Jackie, our pan is an 8×9″ but it’s an odd one and any of those pan sizes actually work fine. Yes, cube the potatoes and frozen is totally fine. 🙂 Thank you for the sweet words too!
Sheila
Could you substitute shredded sweet potato in this recipe?
Sweet Basil
Shelia, I would do cubed sweet potato or it we turn to mush too quickly.
Jennifer
This looks absolutely delicious! I am making it to freeze, how does that alter the directions?? Thank you much! I can’t wait to make this!
Sweet Basil
Hi Jennifer, if frozen you’ll want to avoid adding the cream cheese and cheese as dairy doesn’t do as well frozen, but if you do just make sure it’s tightly covered in the freezer and add a good 15 minutes on to baking time. 🙂
Susan the Farm Quilter
Thank you for the wonderful recipes!! Another interesting thing about learning…if you are right-handed/left-brained, you learn better part to whole (like phonics…learn the sound then put sounds together to make words) and if you are left-handed/right-brained, you learn better whole to part (learn the word then break it down into letter sounds). I did a research paper on it and found it fascinating!!
Diane
I have now made this dish numerous times. It is the only dish that ALL of my kids like. However I am not allowed to make this dish if my daughter is not going to be home for dinner. LOL! I was given permission to make this dish tonight!
Sweet Basil
Haha! Thank you so much!
Michelle
Could you use Ricotta instead of cream cheese?? It would save me going to the shop!
Sweet Basil
You could definitely try an Italian twist, but it will melt down a little more than cream cheese. let us know how it goes!
Margaret Perkins
Thanks for the ham, cheese and potato casserole recipe. I’m gluten intolerant and can make this gluten free. Also live on my own so can divide and freeze portions
Sweet Basil
Oh good! This definitely is for you then!
plasterer bristol
This sounds lovely. Going to give this a go. thanks for sharing this recipe.
Simon
Sweet Basil
We hope you enjoy it!
Ashlyn
I was thinking of using my mandolin to slice the potatoes thinly and layer it like a lasagna. Would you still cook the potatoes first? I was also going to sub cream of chicken soup for the cream cheese because my hubby hates cream cheese. Do you think it will still be as good? Thanks for the awesome recipes!!!
Sweet Basil
I used to HATE cream cheese so I totally understand. If you’re up for sneaky I’d probably cook the soup and a small amount of the cream cheese together just so it’s not runny and has a more rich flavor. If you don’t cook the potatoes first just make sure you cook it a little longer. 🙂
Diane
This was very good!! Thank you for sharing. I did however add garlic and pepper to it. Garlic because almost everything needs garlic 🙂 I shared this recipe on an facebook site called What’s for Dinner and credited the site where I found this awesome dish!!!
Katelynn Sexton
Should I cover with tinfoil before baking?
Sweet Basil
Hi Katelynn, you can if you’d like to but it’s not necessary.
Meredith
Another DELICIOUS recipe! Reminds me of a loaded baked potato! Mmmmm! Figured I leave you the comment since I was already here to send it immediately to my brother after cooking it tonight.
(In case you haven’t figured t out, I’m new here and have a crush on your recipes, LOL!)
Meredith
Had to come back again….leftovers were delicious with scrambled eggs this morning! Highly recommend it! Too bad I didn’t have any flour tortillas to make a burrito….
Sweet Basil
Ok, how have I never thought to do that?! I cannot wait now!
Sweet Basil
Haha! I love this! Thanks Meredith!
Paula K
love your blog! AND your recipes of course. Thank you! and have a very Happy New Year! God Bless.
paula
Sweet Basil
Paula, you are the sweetest!! THank you!
Linda Windsor
I made this for dinner tonight….absolutely delicious! Thank you, thank you!! My husband, who is very picky not only liked it, he went back for seconds! You have wonderful recipes on this site…will be trying many more!
Sweet Basil
Linda, that is so awesome! Thank you for starting my week out on such a positive note! xoxo!
jake
Dont ruin the casserole by putting broccoli in it,yuk!
Sweet Basil
Haha, you could always omit that 😉
Mezzy
Made this tonight, it was delicious. I’m on weight watchers and I’m trying to figure out the points, do you have any nutritional information?
Sweet Basil
Unfortunately I don’t. I’m sorry.
Bonnie Kearns
I made this tonight with rosemary (about 3 sprigs) and it was very flavorful!
Sweet Basil
What a lovely addition! THanks for the suggestion~
kel
Recipe looks great. .. Could have done without the religious stuff but happy to try the recipe.
Sweet Basil
We love the recipe. I hope you do too!
Shellie
kel, you don’t need to be rude. This isn’t your blog, don’t criticize someone for wanting to write what THEY want to write on THEIR blog. If you don’t like it, buzz off.
Christie
We are a busy sports family and at least 2 nights a week we are packing dinner to the skating rink, gymnastics or lacrosse field and I’m always looking for dinners that I can cook at noon and pack to go. I did this tonight and it was a hit with the entire family and we got a lot of envious looks from others as we pulled out the casserole dish at the rink!! Thank-you, this is a keeper recipe in our house!
Sweet Basil
K, how awesome is your family to tackle those awesome sports! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Linda
Hi,
I was looking for a recipe to use up the Easter ham and this was the first one to come up. Sounded and looked yummy. Had everything on hand except broccoli so I substituted peas instead. Tasted great and would make it again with peas! Actually looked a lot like the photos which was so cool.
Sweet Basil
What a great idea to use peas! I totally have to try that now!
Annie
Looks so YUMMY! If it has bacon, it has to be delicious! lol Thank you for sharing your mama’s recipe! Would you freeze it????
Sweet Basil
I worry about the cream cheese when freezing, but if you try it I’d looooove to know how it goes!
jessica
I freeze and use cream cheese all the time. It works wonderfully kinda curds a tiny bit but dose not change flavor and it mixes up great. Trying this recipe tonight. I toasted the ham in some grape seed oil and dried onion with fresh garlic. A few splases of mascato wine and then reduced down. My boyfriend dose not like onion so I removed the ham and most of the onion. Then I added the ham to the applewood smoked bacon and it turned out absolutely wonderful.
Sweet Basil
wow, love the toasting idea!!!
Sweet Basil
I’m nervous about freezing cream cheese so I haven’t done it. Let me know if you try it!
Amber Stewart
I haven’t frozen this recipe, but I freeze others with cream cheese all the time and they always turn out fine.
Shanna Patterson
We tried this for dinner tonight (NYE 2013) and it was a hit with everyone! I played with the recipe a little – no cream cheese and extra bacon to make my hubby who hates one and loves the other! 🙂 I also mixed in a little sour cream since I didn’t use cream cheese – I think it was a good thing but I’m sure it changed the flavor palate of the casserole. I like cream cheese so when he’s not around some night I’ll try the recipe as is 🙂 I also doubled it in a 9×13 pan for leftovers for his lunch. Worked great. I’m going to have to try out some more casseroles now 🙂 Thanks so much!
Sweet Basil
Oh I love the idea of trying the sour cream! It’s like a loaded baked potato casserole!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes
FYI – Including this recipe in my Best of the Blogs: Christmas Recipes roundup today! keep an eye out for it 🙂
Sweet Basil
so sweet! I will for sure!
Samuel Jeffery
That’s what I call putting the excitement back in a casserole! YUM!
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
What a great casserole!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh goodness, I love casseroles and this one looks perfect!!! What a fantastic flavor combination 🙂
Easy Life Meal & Party Planning
This sounds wonderful – I love cheesy potatoes and cheesy broccoli casserole and this just combines the two with meat. Pinning to my cooking bucket list.
Wendy | Around My Family Table
Yummy cheesey bacon goodness? Yes please!
Gaby
Oh my this must happen in my kitchen very soon!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
This would be perfect on a cold winter’s night.
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
Casseroles are always a huge hit with my family. I can’t wait to try this one out on them.
Sweet Basil
they are just so darn good aren’t they?!
Tieghan
I was all in when is read the words cheesy, but them it just kept getting better and better! Potatoes and bacon too? Yes!!