Ham And Cheese Potato Bake With Cheese
A hearty ham and cheese potato bake featuring melted cheddar, tender vegetables, and savory ham, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 bag frozen cottage fries ⓘ
- 1 bag frozen baby carrots ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a 4-quart casserole dish.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in butter over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk and simmer, stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard.
- Cook, stirring until cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat.
- Gently fold in frozen potatoes, frozen baby carrots, and cooked ham cubes.
- Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. You can also swap out the Cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile. This dish can be a great way to use leftover ham from your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham And Cheese Potato Bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic toast. It’s also a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm, comforting slice of this delicious bake. For more ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious as the dish may dry out. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Cheese Potato Bake With Cheese contains roughly 1106 calories, with 26g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2124mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen cottage fries?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Just slice them thinly and parboil for about 5 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will ensure they cook through during baking. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want a different protein option, cooked chicken or turkey would work well in this recipe. You could also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).