Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
Comfort food doesn’t get any better than creamy crockpot ham and potatoes. This dish is a hearty favorite that combines tender potatoes with flavorful ham, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners, it’s the kind of meal that delights everyone around the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love creamy crockpot ham and potatoes. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. This recipe is also versatile and can incorporate leftovers, making it both economical and delicious. Plus, the creamy texture and savory flavors are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet weeknight dinner, this dish is a real winner.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
Making creamy crockpot ham and potatoes is straightforward and requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced (Yukon gold or russet)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped chives for garnish
Directions
- Place the sliced potatoes, diced ham, and diced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and ham in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the potatoes are coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives if desired.
Pro Tips for Success Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes are great choices as they become creamy when cooked, yet still hold their shape.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes and ham into uniformly-sized pieces.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Adding cheese towards the end of cooking allows it to melt beautifully without becoming greasy.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or paprika for an extra flavor kick.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker, so make sure to check that the potatoes are fork-tender before serving.
Flavor Variations Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
- Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Use Different Cheeses: Switch the shredded cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for varied flavor profiles.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh touch or even a hint of red pepper flakes for spice.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free soup option and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Different Proteins: If you don’t have ham on hand, use cooked turkey or chicken as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
Creamy crockpot ham and potatoes are delicious on their own but can also be served alongside various sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish well. You can also accompany it with crusty bread or dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you have leftover meat from a holiday dinner, such as Thanksgiving or Easter, this dish serves as an exquisite way to utilize it creatively.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creaminess and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you want to freeze it, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it should keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————–|—————|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
FAQ About Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, it’s best to use fresh potatoes for this recipe. Frozen potatoes can become mushy when cooked for extended periods in the crockpot.
What types of ham can I use?
You can use any cooked ham, including leftover holiday ham, or even deli ham. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with diced tofu, mushrooms, or cooked lentils, and ensure the cream of chicken soup is replaced with a vegetable-based soup.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can slice all the ingredients and mix the sauce a day prior, then store everything in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply combine everything in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Is it possible to use different types of soup?
Yes, you can use creamy mushroom soup or any other cream-based soup as a substitute for cream of chicken soup, which can change the flavor profile a bit.
Final Thoughts
Creamy crockpot ham and potatoes is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect go-to for busy families, entertaining guests, or simply indulging in a cozy night in. Don’t forget to get creative with variations and serve it alongside your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will love. This hearty recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy!
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Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty favorite that combines tender potatoes and flavorful ham in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced (Yukon gold or russet)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sliced potatoes, diced ham, and diced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and ham in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the potatoes are coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ham with tofu or lentils and use vegetable soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
