Creamy. Crispy. Smoky. These Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes are the kind of soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.
Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or cooking from scratch, this is your go-to casserole for pure comfort.
📋 Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 20 min | 6–8 people |
🥘 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (sliced thin, ~⅛ inch)
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham (cubed)
- 6 slices bacon (crispy cooked & crumbled)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Wash and thinly slice potatoes (leave skin on for texture or peel if you prefer).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
🧄 Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute (to eliminate flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika.
- Stir in 1½ cups cheddar + ½ cup mozzarella until melted and creamy.
🥓 Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half the potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half the ham and bacon.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce.
- Repeat layers, then top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
🔥 Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
🧠 Expert Tips for Best Results
| ✅ Tip | 💡 Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Use Yukon Golds | Creamy texture without falling apart |
| Cook bacon separately | Prevents soggy casserole |
| Shred cheese from block | Melts smoother, avoids clumping |
| Let it rest after baking | Sauce sets up, cleaner slices |
| Use warm milk | Prevents curdling in sauce |
🧩 Variations & Add-Ons
- 🔥 Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.
- 🍠 Swap Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes or thin russet slices.
- 🧀 Different Cheeses: Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
🥓 Ingredient Substitutions
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | Half cream + water, or plant-based milk |
| Ham | Cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken |
| Bacon | Turkey bacon or pancetta |
| Cheddar | Colby Jack or Swiss |
🥗 What to Serve With Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes
This dish is rich and filling, so pair it with lighter sides:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- A warm crusty baguette or garlic bread
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave on 50% power or bake at 350°F covered with foil until hot
🙋♀️ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the full dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if straight from the fridge.
What’s the best potato for this dish?
Yukon Golds hold their shape and become buttery when baked—ideal for casseroles.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, defrost first and reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
What cheese melts the best?
Use freshly shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
🍴 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
⭐ Final Thoughts
If comfort food were a love language, Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes would be “I love you forever.” It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, begged for, and made on repeat. Make it once—and you’ll know why.
