Are you ready to transform ordinary ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds? This Mashed Potato and Ham Casserole is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines creamy potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish that screams pure comfort food! Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck sensation, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes with milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. The milk will help create a lighter, more spreadable potato base.
- Fold in the diced ham, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes. The ham will add a savory, salty flavor to the dish.
- Add chopped green onions and black pepper to the potato and ham mixture. Gently mix to incorporate the seasonings and distribute them evenly.
- Transfer the potato and ham mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture, covering the entire surface for a golden, melted cheese topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot as a hearty main dish or side.
Tips
- For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use room temperature milk and butter when preparing the base.
- Choose high-quality, lean ham for the best flavor – leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.
- For a crispy top, consider broiling the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer.
- Make this dish ahead of time by preparing and assembling the casserole, then refrigerating until ready to bake. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Want to add more depth? Try mixing in some garlic powder or using smoked cheddar cheese for an extra flavor punch.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the ingredients to set, making it easier to serve and preventing burns from hot filling.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the cheddar with low-fat cheese and use skim milk without compromising too much on taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
