Layered Potato 'N Ham Bake
A hearty layered potato and ham casserole featuring cheesy, savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with a crispy golden topping.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Betty Crocker hash brown potato mix ⓘ
- 4 c. very hot water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 17 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. cut up fully cooked smoked ham (about 3/4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded process American cheese (6 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. margarine or butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/3 c. Bisquick baking mix ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Cover potatoes with very hot water in a medium bowl. Stir in salt and let stand uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Layer half of the potatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion, ham, and cheese in an ungreased 9x9-inch square pan.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Mix milk, margarine, and egg together.
- Beat in baking mix, sugar, pepper, and curry powder until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or swapping the green bell pepper for a red one for a sweeter taste. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese and milk. This dish is quite versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra layer of flavor, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Consider browsing more American recipes for additional side ideas that complement this bake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Layered Potato 'N Ham Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Potato 'N Ham Bake contains roughly 1135 calories, with 25g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1173mg per serving (51% 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 hash brown mix?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and thinly slice them, then parboil for about 5-7 minutes before layering. This will help them cook evenly in the bake.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace it with cooked lentils or a meat substitute to keep the texture while making it vegetarian. You can also add more veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
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).