This Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes recipe is a creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy slow cooker meal. It’s the perfect solution for feeding your family and a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from the holidays or a Sunday dinner.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes
Looking for a fuss-free, satisfying meal? Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes is the answer! This recipe combines tender, perfectly cooked potatoes, savory ham, and a luscious, melted cheese sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Whether you serve it as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes
Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to start cooking, remove the insert from the fridge about 20 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker base. This is especially important if you have a stoneware or ceramic insert, as the sudden temperature change can cause it to crack.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. We particularly enjoy serving it with steamed broccoli and a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Any vegetables are a great addition to round out the meal. Frozen veggies that steam in the microwave are an easy way to incorporate extra veggies. It’s a simple and convenient way to stretch the meal and add nutritional value.
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before adding the ingredients. Alternatively, you can coat the insert with a thin layer of butter for a richer flavor and non-stick effect.
Yes, you can certainly layer the ham, potatoes, and cheese with the cream sauce as you assemble the dish if you prefer. While pouring the cream sauce over everything at the end works perfectly well, layering it throughout ensures that every bite is infused with that creamy goodness. Feel free to experiment and find the method that suits your preferences!
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Experiment with different seasoning blends to add a unique twist. Creole or Cajun seasoning would introduce a delightful kick of spice. Consider adding smoked sausage, like kielbasa, for an extra layer of smoky flavor. As long as you use a pre-cooked smoked meat, you can’t go wrong. Avoid using raw sausage, as it requires a higher cooking temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes (Full Recipe Card Below)
To make this delicious Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they become wonderfully tender and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well. Be sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. The exact amount of potatoes isn’t critical, so don’t worry about using a kitchen scale. Aim for around 3.5 to 4 pounds of potatoes, avoiding excessively large ones.
- Ham: I used a ham steak for this recipe, but it’s also a perfect way to use leftover ham from a holiday meal or any other occasion. Pre-chopped ham from the grocery store is another convenient option. While the pieces may be smaller, they still deliver the same delicious flavor.
- Onion: Chopped yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. For a hint of garlic, you can substitute with a shallot.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my go-to choice for this recipe, as its sharp and savory flavor complements the ham and potatoes perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: I prefer using cream of chicken soup for its creamy texture and savory flavor. However, cream of mushroom soup makes an excellent substitute. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make homemade cream of chicken soup from scratch. For a lighter alternative, you can use heavy cream instead of the soup and whole milk. Keep in mind that this will result in a thinner cream sauce, but it will still be delicious. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low or no-sodium cream of chicken soup.
- Whole Milk: Using whole milk rather than 2% or skim milk adds extra richness and fat to the sauce. You can even use heavy cream for an even more decadent result. I don’t recommend using skim milk unless you prefer a super thin cream sauce.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt create a harmonious blend of flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish. Feel free to experiment with other seasoning blends to personalize the recipe. You can omit the salt if you need to reduce your sodium intake.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes:
Begin by lightly spraying a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Layer approximately one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle one-third of the salt over the potato layer to season them.
Next, add one-third of the diced onion, followed by one-third of the diced ham, and then one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, whole milk, dried thyme, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. This creamy mixture will form the delicious sauce for your Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes.
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that everything is well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the potatoes for tenderness periodically.
Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and let the Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes sit for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Looking for More Delicious Recipes?
If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Ham and Potatoes recipe, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering dishes:
- Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes: A cheesy, flavorful twist on classic potatoes.
- Crock Pot Potato Hamburger Casserole: A hearty and satisfying one-pot meal.
- Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Ham Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for chilly days.
- Creamy Ham and Potato Salad: A classic side dish that’s perfect for potlucks and picnics.
- Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory ham that’s perfect for special occasions.
