When life gets busy, comfort food should be easy. That's exactly what you get with our Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes recipe! This dish is a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder, delivering a rich, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Imagine tender chunks of ham and soft, flavorful potatoes bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce – all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Why You'll Love This Easy Crockpot Meal
This recipe isn't just delicious; it's a lifesaver on hectic days. Here’s why it’s bound to become a new family favorite:
- Minimal Prep: A few minutes of chopping, and your crockpot does the rest!
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, meaning less cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: A fantastic way to use up leftover ham or transform inexpensive ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal.
- Ultimate Comfort: Rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying – pure comfort food perfection.
Key Ingredients for Success
The Ham
Whether you're repurposing holiday ham, using a store-bought pre-cooked ham steak, or even thick-cut deli ham, the key is to cut it into bite-sized cubes. The ham adds a salty, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
The Potatoes
For this recipe, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red new potatoes, or small white potatoes are your best bet. They hold their shape well under slow cooking and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Make sure to cut them into uniform, roughly 1-inch pieces. For efficient and safe chopping, having a good quality chef's knife makes all the difference in your kitchen prep!
The Creamy Sauce
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce. We use a combination of cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, milk, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. A touch of garlic and onion powder elevates the savory profile, creating a sauce that clings to every piece of ham and potato.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
- Uniform Cuts: Ensure your potatoes are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Layering is Key: Place half the potatoes on the bottom, then ham, then the remaining potatoes, before pouring over the sauce. This helps everything cook through and meld flavors.
- Cheese Towards the End: For the ultimate gooey, melty top, stir in or sprinkle the last bit of cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: While slow cookers are great for large batches, don't fill yours more than two-thirds full to ensure even cooking.
- Customization: Feel free to add some frozen peas or corn during the last hour for extra veggies and color. A pinch of fresh parsley or chives at the end adds a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham and potato dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed green beans to add a fresh contrast. A slice of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
Ready to try this incredibly easy and delicious meal? Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready for a comfort food experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this crockpot recipe?
Absolutely! This creamy crockpot ham and potatoes recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. Simply cut your cooked ham into bite-sized cubes and proceed with the recipe as directed. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
What type of potatoes work best for slow cooking?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red new potatoes, or even small white potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Avoid starchy russet potatoes, as they can become mushy.
How can I prevent the potatoes from becoming too mushy?
To prevent mushy potatoes, cut them into uniform, slightly larger chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Also, make sure not to overcook the dish; check for doneness around the minimum cook time. Adding a splash of cream cheese or heavy cream towards the end can also help maintain texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time or freeze leftovers?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce and potatoes may change in texture and become watery upon thawing.
Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
An incredibly easy and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender ham and potatoes in a rich, cheesy cream sauce perfect for a fuss-free family dinner.
Ingredients
2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1.5 lbs cooked ham, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
Step 2: Place half of the diced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Layer all of the diced ham over the potatoes.
Step 4: Top the ham with the remaining diced potatoes.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 6: Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture.
Step 7: Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the ham and potatoes in the slow cooker.
Step 8: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking times may vary by slow cooker.
Step 9: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Once done, gently stir everything together. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a richer sauce, you can add a block of softened cream cheese to the soup mixture. Feel free to add frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Leave a Reply