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Country Ham and Potato Bake

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham and tender potatoes bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and this recipe can be made ahead!

Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner.

Country Ham and Potatoes is a delicious rustic baked dish my Dad would make anytime we had leftover ham from a holiday. It’s a country recipe my Dad loved from his childhood in West Virginia, so the recipe name doesn’t come from the type of ham used, but the geographic origin of the recipe instead.

For a lot of people, one of the best things about making a huge smoked ham are the slew of leftovers.  That is not a word that gets used often in this house! Salty, smoky cooked ham goodness is something that the guys and I could eat everyday.

When there are those rare ham leftovers, I divide them into two plastic storage bags…one that the guys can pick on and one that I hide in the veggie bin to use for a couple more meals. Yes, I admit it, I have to hide leftover meat in my house. Sad, but true!

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HOW TO MAKE COUNTRY HAM AND POTATO BAKE 

This recipe is great for using up that leftover ham, or any cooked ham. With tons of gooey cheese and tender potatoes, this dish is at the top of our list for favorite leftover ham recipes!

Ingredients

  • Butter – we use unsalted butter for our recipes, so WE control the salt.
  • Onion – yellow or white, both are delicious in this recipe.
  • Flour – regular all-purpose flour
  • Garlic – we love pre-minced garlic from the jar. It’s so easy to use.
  • Cayenne pepper – for a little heat. Leave it out if you like it mild!
  • Mustard powder
  • Milk – 2% or whole milk works best.
  • Ham – we used leftover cooked ham to make this. If you don’t have leftovers, buy a ham steak or packaged diced ham and use that.
  • Potatoes – russet potatoes or Yukon Gold are perfect for casseroles because they hold their shape during cooking.
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Parsley
Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease or spray an 8 x 8 baking dish.

Get all of your ingredients ready before you start cooking or mixing.  Grab your leftover ham (while you can) , or any pre-cooked ham and cut the ham into bite-size chunks. (For this recipe, I used leftovers from a pre-cooked, spiral sliced smoked Ham).

Then wash the potatoes and slice them thin. Dice the onions, and measure out the butter,  milk, cheese, garlic and spices. Now you are ready to begin making this deliciousness that will have everyone saying OMG when they taste it (and licking their plates…just kidding).

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and stir them around for about 3 minutes, until you can just see thru them. Then stir in the flour. Cook for 2 – 3 more minutes.

Now, throw in all those wonderful spices you measured out, the cayenne, mustard powder, salt, pepper and the garlic and stir to mix them up.  This should be smelling pretty awesome now.  Douse the whole thing by whisking in the milk. Don’t worry, the delicious spice smells will be back real soon!

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

After cooking for 3-4 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken. When you can swipe the back of your stirring spoon with your finger (not your tongue) and you can see it, the sauce is done. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Now it’s time to put it all together.  Using 1/3 of the ham, spread a layer of ham on the bottom of the baking dish. Then top with a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes. Then spread the potatoes with  about 2/3 cup of the sauce. Layer, overlap and spread 2 more times, so you end up with 3 sets of layers, ending with the sauce on top!

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

Slather that sauce on, making sure that you scrape every drop from the skillet. I use a spatula (more utensils to lick) and don’t worry about being messy, the cheese will cover it all up.

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

Top everything with the shredded cheese, making sure to get all the way to the sides.  I went with a lot, and I mean A LOT,  of cheese for this recipe to get a nice crunchy crust and a layer of gooey cheese underneath. You can use less if you like. (Party Pooper!) Cover the pan with foil and pop in the oven for 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender.

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

After 1 hour, remove the foil, switch the oven to broil and broil for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and browning on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish right when it comes out of the broiler so the parsley sticks to the cheese! Oh, the humanity!

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and can be made ahead!

WHAT IS CITY HAM AND COUNTRY HAM?

Most grocery stores carry City Ham and that’s what I used here. City Ham is the most popular kind of ham sold in the United States. It’s wet-cured, which means that the has has been soaked in or injected with brine to cure it. The brine is usually made of salt, sugar, seasonings and a curing agent, like nitrates.

A Country Ham is uncooked ham that is dry-cured with salt and spices, usually smoked , then left to hang and age for a few months to several years. The meat is extremely salty, which is part of the reason why people love it. 

Dig in and have a piece. Just take a good look at those juices…this is why it is a favorite!

Chunks of ham and tender potatoes bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese. #mustlovehomecooking

STILL HUNGRY FOR HAM?

This recipe was adapted from Scalloped Potatoes and Country Ham  by Damaris Phillips on Food Network. If you love leftover ham recipes, you might also like these amazing Ham Cakes with Garlic Aioli.

Chunks of ham and tender potatoes bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese. #mustlovehomecooking

Country Ham and Potato Bake

Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner.
3.70 from 56 votes
Prep Time :15 minutes
Cook Time :1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time :1 hour 30 minutes
Servings :6
Calories :446
Course :Main Dish

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced small
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2  tsp cayenne optional for heat
  • 1-1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 2 cups milk 2% or whole milk
  • 2 cups ham cubed, fully cooked smoked ham
  • 1-1/2 pounds russet potatoes sliced 1/4-inch-thick
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • Chopped parsley for garnish optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the onions and saute until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and stir until combined. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne and ground mustard. Whisk in the milk. Allow to cook and thicken slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
  • Line the baking dish with a layer of the ham, then a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes, then about 2/3 cup sauce. Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used, making 3 layers, ending with the sauce on top. Top with cheese and cover with foil. Bake until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.
  • Remove the foil and switch on broiler. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 3 minutes. Watch carefully to not allow it to burn . Garnish with parsley and allow to cool slightly before serving..

Chef Tips

1. 2% milk was used for this recipe.
2. Melting cheese like Swiss or Gruyere can be substituted for the Monterey Jack.
3. For less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon
If using salted butter, omit adding salt to recipe and salt to taste before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts
Country Ham and Potato Bake
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
446
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
27.95
g
43
%
Saturated Fat
 
15.15
g
95
%
Cholesterol
 
85.64
mg
29
%
Sodium
 
1191.7
mg
52
%
Potassium
 
772.45
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
 
23.68
g
8
%
Fiber
 
3.4
g
14
%
Sugar
 
5.15
g
6
%
Protein
 
25.67
g
51
%
Vitamin A
 
665.7
IU
13
%
Vitamin C
 
14.75
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
418.8
mg
42
%
Iron
 
4.61
mg
26
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

© Copyright Christine Mello for Must Love Home. We would love for you to share a link to this recipe but please do not copy/paste the recipe instructions to websites or social media. We are happy for you to share a photo with a link back to this website instead.

Chunks of ham and tender potatoes bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese. #mustlovehomecooking

 

I’m Christine, a self-appointed foodie and almost empty-nester who is addicted to creating quick and tasty recipes that anyone can make. My goal is to give you the confidence and know-how to cook from scratch with easy, budget-friendly recipes. Welcome to my kitchen! Learn more…

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If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I would appreciate the chance to troubleshoot any issues you might have had before you leave the rating!

29 Comments

  1. Hi Margo, I would bake this dish before freezing. Then thaw in the refrigerator before re-heating. Hope that helps!

  2. MargoB

    I saw another person asked about freezing this, to which you replied yes, it could be frozen. Yay! However, should it be frozen before or after cooking?

  3. Amanda

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner tonite and I just wanted to tell you how good it was! Made exactly as it was written and it was perfect I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for such a tasty and simple, filling and delicious recipe.

  4. Hi Ken, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely a favorite at our house!

  5. Ken Gehosky

    4 stars
    Wonderful! No leftovers with this recipe. Even my wife and kids loved it. I’ll definitely be adding this to my weeknight rotation.

  6. Hi Gerri, the pictures show an 8 x 8 glass baking dish, so if you make this amazing recipe, that’s the correct size for the recipe ingredients. I wonder if the device you were viewing the photos on made the baking dish look stretched out? Let me know how it turns out!?

  7. Gerri

    Your recipe calls for an 8×8 pan yet the picture show a 9 x 1 3. Which one is correct. I’m making it tonight.Thanks for a great looking dish

  8. Hi Jennifer….absolutely both of those easy melting cheeses would be perfect! Swiss is also an especially delicious substitute! Let me know how it turns out for you?!

  9. Jennifer Stapp

    Would cheddar or colby jack work?

  10. Hi there, yes this dish can be frozen?. Just transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months?.

  11. Bronia

    5 stars
    Looks delicious. Can this be frozen?

  12. Thanks for the rating Cyndi and I’m so glad you liked it! It’s on my list to make with any leftover ham from Thanksgiving…crossing my fingers that there’s actual leftovers at my house ?.

  13. 5 stars
    I made this with my leftover ham from Easter last year. It was DELICIOUS. I am making it again this week to share with friends and family. Highly recommend this recipe. Outstanding.

  14. Christine

    Hi Samantha, you are very welcome! Love the party and I will be stopping in again! Have a great weekend!

  15. Christine

    You are so welcome! I love your party and seeing what everyone else has been working on! Have a great weekend!

  16. Christine

    HI Indah, thank you! You are the first ever to tell me that they were looking at my blog on the subway!! That is awesome:) Thanks for all of your support, I do appreciate it! Hugs- Christine

  17. Christine.. It is such a delicious dish indeed. I am looking at it on my subway ride back home and I am literally drooling 🙂

  18. Looks delicious!! Pinning to share. Thanks for sharing your posts with us this week at Snickerdoodle Sunday! We love having you 🙂 Have a great week!

  19. This looks really good. I love anything with ham and cheese. Thanks for joining the Family Joy link party!

  20. Christine

    Hi Karren, you are so welcome! I love your parties! Wishing you a super week!! Hugs- Christine

  21. Christine

    Thanks for the invite….I stopped by and linked up one of my favorite recipes Country Ham and Potato Bake! Have a super week!

  22. charleneasay1

    Yummy this looks great. I think my family would love it. You should link up with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party this week. Sunday-Wednesday. Check it out http://thinking-outside-the-pot.com/?p=2461

  23. Oh my goodness this sure does look like a comfort food, it looks delicious!
    Thank you for sharing on the Oh My Heartsie Girls Friday Features!!

    Have a great weekend!
    Karren

  24. Christine

    Thanks Terry! If you make it, let me know how it turns out! I would love your feedback! Hugs- Christine

  25. Christine

    Hi Barry, thanks for stopping in! When I saw this on Southern at Heart, I put the recipe in my back pocket until I (maybe ever) had some leftover ham to use…I am so glad I did! If you make this, please drop me a line and let me know how you liked it! Enjoy your Mother’s Day! Have a wonderful weekend – Christine

  26. Christine

    Hi Terry, thanks for the suggestion. I went back and added that I used a fully cooked, spiral sliced ham for this recipe. I would not want anyone to make this recipe with ham that has not already been pre-cooked. Thanks again Terry! Have a wonderful weekend – Christine.

  27. This looked so good I had to copy the recipe. I would like to make a suggestion though when you have in your recipe’s like the ham above could you include which ham you used.

  28. This recipes is making my mouth water! I may make it for Mother’s day for my mom!

  29. This looks so good I had to copy the recipe.

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