Welcome to your new favorite way to transform holiday leftovers or create a comforting meal with ease! Our easy Crockpot Ham and Potatoes recipe delivers a creamy, incredibly delicious dish that’s versatile enough to be served as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side. It’s truly one of the best leftover ham recipes we’ve ever crafted, consistently delighting families at dinner tables and potlucks alike. Say goodbye to boring sandwiches and hello to a rich, flavorful experience.
We’ve been making ham and potatoes in a slow cooker year-round, but it truly shines as the ultimate way to utilize that delicious leftover ham after the holidays. You know the drill: a generous bag of ham sits in the fridge, and the thought of another ham sandwich just doesn’t excite anyone. This easy Crockpot recipe is a game-changer, especially during the colder months of Fall and Winter. It’s a low-effort, high-reward meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Mastering the Easy Ham and Potatoes Recipe
While this dish is a superstar for repurposing leftover ham, don’t limit it to post-holiday cooking! You can effortlessly create this comforting meal any time of year by simply purchasing a bag of pre-diced ham from your local grocery store. Whether it’s February or July, this recipe consistently ranks as one of our favorite Crockpot leftover ham recipes, earning rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. Hosting a festive Christmas brunch or a casual family gathering? This slow cooker sensation makes a fantastic, fuss-free side dish or a satisfying one-pot meal that allows you to relax and enjoy your guests.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients. We’re talking about a mere 7 components to create this culinary delight. For those with dietary preferences, making it dairy-free is no problem at all – simply omit the cheese! Around here, we’re unapologetic lovers of cheesy, ooey-gooey goodness, so we tend to pack ours with extra shredded cheese, but that’s entirely optional and can be adjusted to your taste. Let’s dive into how incredibly simple it is to bring this heartwarming dish together.
The Magic of Slow Cooking: A Kitchen Essential
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero of many kitchens: the slow cooker. It’s an invaluable tool for busy individuals and families, allowing you to prepare delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I personally own a few different varieties, each serving a unique purpose. From compact models for smaller households to larger ones perfect for feeding a crowd, there’s a slow cooker for every occasion.
- For maximum versatility and convenience, a programmable 6-quart model with a locking lid is often my top recommendation. The programmable feature ensures your food cooks perfectly without constant monitoring, while the locking lid makes it ideal for safely transporting your culinary creations to potlucks, family reunions, or neighborhood gatherings.
- When it comes to cleanup, I generally prefer not to use disposable liners. Instead, a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray inside the slow cooker insert before adding ingredients works wonders. This simple step creates a non-stick surface, making post-meal cleanup significantly easier and more environmentally friendly.
I recently acquired a new slow cooker that perfectly complements my kitchen decor, allowing it to seamlessly blend in and remain a permanent fixture on my countertop. Finding appliances that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing truly makes cooking a more enjoyable experience.
Preparing Your Ham: The Foundation of Flavor
The beauty of this Crockpot Ham and Potatoes recipe lies in its adaptability when it comes to the ham itself. Whether you’re using tender slices from a Crockpot ham you cooked previously, savory bits from a Ninja Foodi ham, or simply picked up some pre-cooked ham from the store, the starting point truly doesn’t matter. What’s crucial is that your ham is diced into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every morsel can thoroughly absorb the rich, creamy sauce it cooks in, contributing to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures throughout the dish.
It’s a common scenario after holidays like Easter or Christmas: you find yourself with a generous amount of leftover ham. As someone who firmly believes in minimizing food waste, especially when it comes to delicious ingredients, finding creative ways to use these leftovers is a culinary mission. While you can certainly purchase pre-diced ham year-round, transforming your holiday remnants into something new and exciting is incredibly satisfying. Simply chop up those larger slices into smaller, uniform cubes, and your ham is ready to join the party.
If you happen to have any leftover glaze from your original ham, don’t let it go to waste! Pour a little bit of that flavorful glaze over your diced ham and toss it gently. This simple step can “liven up” the ham, adding an extra layer of moisture and a burst of flavor. For instance, if you used a pineapple glaze, it will infuse a delightful touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the dish. Now that our ham is perfectly prepped, let’s gather the rest of our ingredients and continue crafting this incredible slow cooker meal.
Achieving Perfect Potato Perfection and Cheesy Bliss
For those who adore a truly decadent, cheesy dish, feel free to add even more cheese to this recipe. The more you add, the closer it gets to a rich, comforting slow cooker scalloped potatoes, but with the added heartiness of ham. Once the potatoes are tender, simply replace the lid to allow the cheese to melt into a glorious, gooey layer over the entire dish. This method is particularly fantastic for gatherings where people might be grazing throughout the day; simply turn your slow cooker to the “warm” setting once it’s done. Don’t worry about overcooking – the beauty of a slow cooker is its gentle heat. The only thing that might happen with extended time is that the potatoes will become even softer, which for many, is a desirable outcome!
If you prefer your potatoes to retain a bit more texture, consider slicing them slightly thicker. This will allow them to break down more slowly over the long cooking time. Conversely, if you’re aiming for a quicker cook time or an even softer, almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency, dice your potatoes into smaller slices and then quarter those. This increased surface area will help them cook faster and absorb more of the creamy sauce. Experiment with different cuts to find your ideal potato texture.
Enhancing Your Dish with Vegetables
This Crockpot Ham and Potatoes recipe also offers a wonderful opportunity to incorporate additional vegetables, transforming it into an even more complete and nutritious meal. Fresh green beans are an excellent choice. To prepare them, simply wash thoroughly, snip off the ends, and slice them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Layer them on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker, following the rest of the recipe as directed. Green beans are firm enough to withstand the slow cooking process without turning to mush, becoming perfectly tender by the time the dish is ready to serve. Other great additions include carrots (sliced or diced), peas (added towards the end), or even corn. This versatility allows you to customize the dish to your family’s liking and maximize its nutritional value. Here’s what you’ll typically need to assemble this comforting masterpiece:
Detailed Ingredient Notes for Optimal Flavor
Understanding your ingredients is key to creating a truly exceptional dish. Here’s a breakdown of our main components and why specific choices are recommended, along with suitable alternatives:
- Potatoes: For the primary starchy component, I prefer to slice up Russet potatoes. Their high starch content contributes to a lovely creamy texture as they break down during cooking. If you’re looking for a firmer potato that holds its shape more, red potatoes are an excellent choice. Yukon Gold potatoes, while delicious, have a higher starch content and tend to become much softer and break down quicker, which can be desirable for a creamier consistency but less so if you prefer distinct potato pieces.
- Ham: As discussed, diced precooked ham is the star here, whether it’s fresh, holiday leftovers, or store-bought. For those times when I don’t have holiday leftovers, I often cut up a few ham steaks. Beyond ham, other savory meats like bacon bits can also be a delightful addition, offering a smoky counterpoint.
- Broth: Using a flavorful broth instead of plain water is crucial for deepening the overall taste of this dish. Chicken broth is my go-to, but beef broth will add a richer, heartier flavor, while vegetable broth is a fantastic option for a lighter profile or for those avoiding meat broths.
- Cheese: For us, shredded cheese is a non-negotiable component that brings unparalleled creaminess and flavor. This time, Swiss cheese was used for its distinct nutty taste, but I’ve successfully mixed and matched with other varieties like sharp cheddar for a classic comfort flavor, or spicy jack if I crave a little heat. As we often say, the more the better, akin to our beloved slow cooker cheesy potatoes!
- Condensed Soup: Cream of potato soup is my preferred choice for this recipe as its flavor profile harmonizes perfectly with the ham and potatoes. However, any condensed cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, will work as a base. For those who prefer a more “from scratch” approach, a homemade cream of mushroom soup can be substituted, offering a richer, more nuanced flavor.
- Milk: A splash of milk is essential for achieving that lusciously creamy texture and thinning out the condensed soup to the perfect consistency. Dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version without compromising much on creaminess.
- Seasonings: A pinch of salt and pepper forms the foundation of seasoning, but don’t hesitate to add more to taste once the dish is cooked.
Exciting Variations to Explore
This Crockpot Ham and Potatoes recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable, inviting you to experiment with various alternatives and seasonings to suit your palate. While salt and pepper provide a solid base, feel free to enhance the flavor profile with your favorite spices. Consider adding a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika for a subtle smokiness, or dried herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic touch. These small additions can significantly elevate the overall taste of your dish.
Another popular substitution for the condensed soup is a block of cream cheese. If you opt for this, cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help it melt more evenly and integrate smoothly into the sauce, creating an even richer, tangier cream base. Simply follow the rest of the recipe as directed, adjusting the liquid if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours!
Can You Make It With Frozen Hashbrowns? Absolutely!
For those seeking an even quicker prep time or a distinct texture, using frozen hashbrowns is a fantastic “game changer” variation! It’s a method we love for our Crockpot Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns, and it works beautifully here too. Instead of peeling and slicing fresh potatoes, simply use a bag of pre-shredded frozen potatoes. Just keep a couple of things in mind: firstly, the cooking time will be significantly reduced, often taking only about 3 hours on low. Secondly, the resulting texture will be much, much softer and more uniform than when using sliced fresh potatoes, resembling a very creamy, mashed potato consistency within the ham mixture. Despite the texture difference, it’s still absolutely yummy and incredibly convenient when you’re short on time!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Dish
To ensure your Crockpot Ham and Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Gentle Folding: Once the cooking time is complete and the potatoes are tender, use a serving spoon to gently fold all the ingredients together. The potatoes will be very soft, so unless you prefer a smoother, more broken-down consistency, handle with care to maintain some texture.
- Soup-like Consistency: If you desire a dish that’s more akin to a hearty soup, simply add a bit more broth or milk during the last hour of cooking and stir it well until it reaches your preferred smooth, creamy consistency.
- Extra Cheesiness: For an undeniably “oooeyer” experience, consider covering the top of the dish with an extra layer of shredded cheddar or your favorite melting cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking (or after the main cooking time, with the lid on). The melted cheese will create a truly fabulous, irresistible topping that takes this dish over the top. It’s a delightful way to elevate your meal and makes enjoying your leftover ham far more appealing than another night of sandwiches!
- Recipe Card and Nutrition: The detailed recipe, including a printable version, can be found below. Please note that nutritional information is automatically calculated and serves as an approximation. It may vary based on the type of potatoes you use and the fat content of your specific ham. Always use this information as a general guide.
Crockpot Ham and Potatoes Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cup ham, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, russet, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth, or water
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of potato, or cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pinch salt and pepper, + more when done to taste
Instructions
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Layer broth on the bottom, then sliced potatoes, diced ham, sliced onions, shredded cheese on top into slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
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In a small bowl whisk together condensed soup and milk until smooth. Pour on top of everything. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender. Gently fold together and serve.
Video
A video demonstration of this recipe can be found on our blog for visual guidance.
Nutrition
Calories: 174kcal,
Carbohydrates: 6g,
Protein: 12g,
Fat: 11g,
Saturated Fat: 5g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g,
Cholesterol: 38mg,
Sodium: 743mg,
Potassium: 192mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 194IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 136mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
How to Save and Reheat Leftovers
One of the many advantages of this Crockpot Ham and Potatoes recipe is how beautifully it stores and reheats. Once everyone has enjoyed their fill for the day, turn off your slow cooker and allow the contents to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This dish saves wonderfully and reheats magnificently, making it an ideal candidate for delicious lunches the next day. That’s right – you essentially get a second life out of your once-leftover ham, extending its enjoyment beyond the initial meal.
Once cooled, transfer the ham and potatoes to airtight containers. To streamline future meals, I often portion out the amount I would typically heat for myself into individual containers. Alternatively, small freezer bags can be used for the same purpose, allowing for convenient grab-and-go meals. When you’re ready to reheat, simply transfer your desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for approximately 1 minute, stirring halfway through the cooking time, until thoroughly warmed and steaming. This ensures even heating and a satisfying texture, bringing back all the comforting flavors of the original dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact weight isn’t critical for this recipe, as you mainly want enough potatoes to be coated generously by the sauce. Generally, 4 medium potatoes typically weigh a little over 1 pound, often closer to 1 and 1/4 pounds. Keep in mind that potatoes vary significantly in size and shape, so use your best judgment to ensure you have a good volume for the dish.
While you can use various types of potatoes, there are noticeable differences in how they behave when slow-cooked. Russet potatoes, the large brown variety, are probably the most familiar and are excellent for this recipe as they soften beautifully and contribute to the creamy texture. Red potatoes, on the other hand, are much firmer and will retain more of their shape and texture, taking a bit longer to become tender but preventing the dish from becoming overly mushy. Other varieties like Yukon Gold potatoes have a higher starch content and tend to break down more quickly, resulting in a very soft, almost pureed consistency, which might not be ideal if you prefer some potato structure.
Beyond this incredible main dish, if you are looking for more easy side dishes to complement your meals, we have a wide array of recipes to choose from. When preparing for a larger gathering, I often maximize efficiency by utilizing as many slow cookers as I have available. For other sides that don’t require lengthy cooking, I’ll prepare a couple in the oven. The key is strategic meal planning: if you prep your ingredients ahead of time, you can simply pop them into the oven while your main protein rests after cooking. Have more delicious leftovers to use up? Consider transforming them into a hearty Instant Pot lentil soup with ham – another fantastic way to reduce waste and create a new, comforting meal.
Many of our side dishes, particularly those in the oven, take about 30 minutes to cook, allowing everything to be ready around the same time when planned effectively. The slow cooker dishes will remain wonderfully warm with their lids on, while oven-cooked sides can be covered with foil until ready to serve. This seamless coordination means that once the carving of your main protein is complete, a full, delicious dinner can be unveiled and served to everyone, making entertaining a breeze.