Ham & Potatoe Casserole II What To Make With Leftover Ham From Thanksgiving
Ham & Potatoe Casserole II What To Make With Leftover Ham From Thanksgiving is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Have A Seat At Niki's Table on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $6.10 total, $1.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Ham (leftover Thanksgiving ham, trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1.5 lb Potatoes (peeled if desired, boiled whole until tender)
- 7 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided: 3 tbsp for sauté, 4 tbsp for cheese sauce)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1.5 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup Bread Crumbs (plain or Panko; Progresso brand used in video)
- 1 spray Nonstick Cooking Spray (to coat baking dish before adding cheese sauce)
- pinch Salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Boil Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender but not mushy.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Trim and Cube Ham
Remove any excess fat from the leftover ham and cut it into bite‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Ham and Onion
Melt 3 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat, add the ham cubes and diced onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Combine Potatoes
Drain the boiled potatoes and add them to the skillet with the ham and onion. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 13×9‑inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then pour the skillet mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Time: PT3M
Make Roux
In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Flour
Stir in 4 tbsp all‑purpose flour, whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk and Thicken
Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Cheese
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Time: PT1M
Add Cheese Sauce to Casserole
Pour the cheese sauce over the ham‑potato mixture in the baking dish and spread evenly with a spoon.
Time: PT2M
Top with Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the sauce.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F, then bake the casserole for 10‑15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ham: cooked turkey, cooked chicken
- Instead of Potatoes: sweet potatoes, cauliflower florets
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk (may affect flavor)
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: crushed crackers, crushed cornflakes
- Instead of Nonstick Cooking Spray: light oil brushed with a pastry brush
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Dish (13x9 inch)
- Oven
- Nonstick Spray Bottle (optional)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil potatoes until just tender (not mushy)
- Form a smooth roux without lumps
- Thicken the cheese sauce to a coat‑the‑back‑of‑a‑spoon consistency
- Bake until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use smoked ham for an extra depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme to the ham‑onion mixture for subtle aroma.
- Mix half of the shredded cheese into the sauce and reserve the other half for topping to create a cheesy crust.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce is lumpy.
Whisk continuously while adding milk slowly; if lumps form, return to low heat and whisk until smooth.
Casserole is dry after baking.
Ensure the cheese sauce is thick but pourable; add a splash more milk to the sauce before baking.
Breadcrumb topping does not brown.
Spray the breadcrumbs lightly with oil or butter and bake a minute longer, or broil for 1‑2 minutes watching closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (covered) for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 10‑15 extra minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the cheese‑sauce stage, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Cheese sauce can be prepared a day ahead; gently reheat and stir before pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ham and Potato Casserole in American cuisine?
Ham and potato casseroles are a classic American comfort dish that grew popular as a way to stretch holiday leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving. The combination of salty ham, hearty potatoes, and a cheesy topping reflects the Mid‑Atlantic and New England tradition of turning surplus proteins into family‑friendly baked meals.
What are traditional regional variations of Ham and Potato Casserole in the United States?
In the Midwest, cooks often add sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness. In the South, a touch of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning is common, and some versions use sweet corn alongside the potatoes. The basic concept remains the same—leftover ham, potatoes, and a creamy cheese topping.
How is Ham and Potato Casserole traditionally served in American households?
It is usually served hot from the oven as a main‑course side alongside green beans, cranberry sauce, or a simple salad. Many families slice it into squares and pair it with a dollop of mustard or a drizzle of gravy for added flavor.
On what occasions is Ham and Potato Casserole typically enjoyed in American culture?
The dish is most common during the post‑Thanksgiving week as a quick reheated meal, but it also appears at casual family gatherings, potlucks, and weekend brunches when a hearty, make‑ahead casserole is desired.
How does Ham and Potato Casserole fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of simplicity, heartiness, and resourcefulness—using pantry staples and leftovers to create a warm, satisfying bake that feeds a family with minimal effort.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Ham and Potato Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the dish uses leftover smoked or baked ham, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, butter, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and plain breadcrumbs. Acceptable substitutes include turkey or chicken for the ham, sweet potatoes for the potatoes, gluten‑free flour or almond flour for the roux, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for the cheese.
What other American dishes pair well with Ham and Potato Casserole?
It pairs nicely with roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or a simple apple‑cabbage slaw. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside a slice of cornbread or a warm dinner roll.
What makes Ham and Potato Casserole special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the seamless blend of salty ham, buttery potatoes, and a velvety cheddar sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs—all created in one pan, making it a quick, all‑in‑one comfort dish that celebrates leftover creativity.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ham and Potato Casserole?
Common errors include over‑cooking the potatoes so they become mushy, allowing the roux to burn, and under‑seasoning the sauce. Also, be sure the breadcrumb topping is lightly oiled; otherwise it will stay pale.
Can I make Ham and Potato Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese sauce, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes, or freeze unbaked for up to two months and bake from frozen.
What does the YouTube channel Have A Seat At Niki's Table specialize in?
The YouTube channel Have A Seat At Niki's Table focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, especially comfort‑food classics, quick weeknight meals, and creative ways to use leftovers. Niki emphasizes clear step‑by‑step instructions and budget‑friendly ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Have A Seat At Niki's Table's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Niki’s channel stands out by centering each recipe around everyday pantry staples and leftover utilization, often adding personal twists like unique cheese sauces. While many channels showcase gourmet techniques, Have A Seat At Niki's Table keeps the focus on simplicity, speed, and family‑friendly flavors.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
