Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

This Ham Potato Casserole Pioneer Woman recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s classic comfort food style, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftover ham or as a standout main course, this Pioneer Woman ham and potato casserole is destined to become a family favorite.

Looking for a hearty and delicious way to feed a hungry group? Or maybe you’re searching for that perfect potluck dish that everyone will rave about? Look no further than this incredible ham and potato casserole. Taking cues from the beloved Pioneer Woman, this recipe elevates the humble potato and ham into a culinary masterpiece. It’s more than just a casserole; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, ideal for holiday gatherings like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner. We believe this Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

What makes this Pioneer Woman potato casserole so special? It’s the effortless simplicity combined with layers of flavor. Unlike some complicated casserole recipes, there’s no need for fussy sauces made from scratch. The magic happens as it bakes, with a luscious cream sauce forming directly in the dish. A blend of half-and-half, heavy cream, flour, and a hint of pepper creates a velvety texture that perfectly coats the tender potatoes and savory ham. This streamlined approach makes it an accessible and stress-free option, even during busy holiday meal preparations.

Beyond its ease, this casserole is incredibly versatile. Leftover ham finds its perfect purpose here, infusing the dish with smoky, salty notes that complement the creamy potatoes beautifully. No leftover ham? No problem! Ham steaks work just as well, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful casserole anytime.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a winning recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, this Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole is your answer. Get ready to experience the mouthwatering combination of tender potatoes, a rich, cheesy sauce, and savory ham – a dish that embodies the heart and soul of home cooking, Pioneer Woman style.

While you’re here, be sure to explore other Pioneer Woman inspired recipes. Her chocolate sheet cake and mac and cheese are also must-tries for classic comfort food lovers!

Overhead view of Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole, golden brown and bubbling in a baking dish.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

Let’s break down the simple yet essential ingredients that make this Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole so delicious:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe due to their high starch content. This starch is key to achieving that signature tender and creamy texture we all crave in a good casserole. Their mild flavor also makes them the perfect blank canvas to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the other ingredients. Yukon Golds are a fantastic substitute if you prefer a slightly waxier texture, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they can release too much moisture during baking.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is the star protein of this dish, adding a savory and satisfying element. Its inherent saltiness provides a delightful counterpoint to the richness of the creamy sauce and potatoes. Leftover ham is ideal, making this casserole a brilliant way to repurpose holiday dinner leftovers. Alternatively, cubed ham steaks are readily available and work perfectly.
Onion: Sautéed onions are crucial for building flavor depth in this Pioneer Woman casserole. They introduce a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity that elevates the overall taste profile, harmonizing beautifully with the ham and potatoes.
Butter: Butter plays a dual role. First, it’s used to sauté the onions and ham, adding richness and flavor right from the start. Second, it’s used to grease the casserole dish, preventing sticking and ensuring easy serving.
Half-and-Half and Heavy Cream: This dynamic dairy duo forms the foundation of the luscious cream sauce that binds the casserole together. Half-and-half provides lightness, while heavy cream contributes richness and that desirable velvety texture that makes this casserole so indulgent.
Flour: A touch of all-purpose flour is whisked into the cream mixture to act as a thickening agent. As the casserole bakes, the flour helps create a beautifully rich and satisfying sauce that isn’t too thin.
Black Pepper: A simple seasoning, black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the ham, potatoes, and creamy sauce. Don’t underestimate the power of freshly cracked black pepper!
Cheese: A blend of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is the cheese combination of choice for this Pioneer Woman recipe. Sharp cheddar delivers a tangy and bold flavor punch, while Monterey Jack brings a mild, creamy counterpoint and exceptional melting qualities, ensuring a gooey, cheesy topping.

Labeled ingredients for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole, showcasing potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step

Ready to create this comforting Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole? Follow these simple steps:

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature (refer to the recipe card below for exact temperature). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter. Set aside.
Sauté Onions: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and swirl to coat the pan. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, releasing their fragrant aroma.

Sautéing diced onions in melted butter in a skillet for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole.

Sauté Ham: Add the diced ham to the skillet with the onions. Sauté until the ham is heated through and lightly browned, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the ham and onion mixture to a bowl. Set aside.

Sautéing cooked ham with onions in a skillet for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole.

Warm Cream Mixture: In a microwave-safe container, combine half-and-half and heavy cream. Microwave briefly, just until warmed through but not boiling – this helps the flour incorporate smoothly. Whisk in the flour and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

Whisking flour and pepper into a warmed cream mixture for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole.

Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline set to the thinnest setting, carefully slice all the potatoes. Discard the first and last slices, which are often uneven. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible.

Slicing potatoes thinly with a mandoline for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole.

Layer Ingredients: Begin layering the casserole in the prepared dish. Place a portion of the potato slices in the bottom, slightly overlapping them. Evenly distribute a portion of the ham and onion mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle a generous portion of the cheese over the ham and onions. Whisk the cream mixture again to ensure it’s smooth, and then pour a portion evenly over the layered ingredients.

Layering potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream sauce in a casserole dish for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole.

Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process two more times, using the remaining potatoes, ham and onion mixture, cheese, and cream sauce. Ensure the final layer is the cream sauce, topped with a final sprinkle of cheese.

Adding additional layers of potatoes, ham, cheese and cream to the casserole dish.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for the initial baking time (see recipe card). Remove the foil and continue baking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the top is golden brown and cheesy.

Freshly baked Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole, golden and bubbling in a casserole dish.

Rest and Serve: Allow the Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken and set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Cut into squares and enjoy this ultimate comfort food! Find the full recipe with ingredient measurements, cooking times, and more tips in the recipe card below.

Pro Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

To ensure your Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole is a resounding success, keep these pro tips in mind:

Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always opt for freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheeses contain cellulose, an anti-caking agent, that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and create a slightly gritty texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully into a gooey, cheesy dream.
Mandoline for Even Slices: A mandoline is your best friend for achieving uniformly thin potato slices. This even thickness is essential for ensuring the potatoes cook through evenly in the casserole and creates a more pleasing texture. If you don’t have a mandoline, take your time and use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes as thinly and consistently as possible.
Prevent Potato Discoloration: Potatoes can oxidize and turn brown after slicing. If you’re not layering them immediately, prevent discoloration by placing the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Before layering, make sure to thoroughly drain and pat them dry with paper towels. Excess water can make the sauce thin.
Parboil for Faster Cooking (Optional): If you are short on time, you can parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This will reduce the overall baking time. Be sure to cool them slightly before handling.
Resting is Essential: Don’t skip the resting time after baking! Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes is crucial. It allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

FAQs About Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?

Scalloped potatoes, and this Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole, cook faster when covered with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time. The foil traps steam and heat, helping the potatoes to cook through more quickly and evenly. Removing the foil for the last portion of baking allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly.

Close-up shot of the inside of Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole, showing the creamy texture and layers of potatoes and ham.

How Do You Know When Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes are Done?

You’ll know your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham are perfectly cooked when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The sauce should be thick and bubbly, and the cheese on top melted and nicely browned.

Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time for Pioneer Woman Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can slice the potatoes ahead of time to save prep time. To prevent them from discoloring, submerge the sliced potatoes in cold water in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry before layering them in the casserole to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Side view of Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole in a baking dish, showcasing the cheesy layers.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

Make-Ahead Instructions:

This Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Freezing Instructions:

Leftovers of this comforting casserole freeze beautifully. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through and bubbly. You may need to add a bit of extra baking time when reheating from frozen.

Slice of Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole served with a side salad, showcasing a complete meal idea.

Slow Cooker Variation for Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

For a slightly different take, you can even adapt this recipe for the slow cooker! Omit the flour and half-and-half in the cream sauce. Layer the potatoes, ham and onion mixture, and cheese in your slow cooker as instructed in the recipe. Pour the heavy cream over the layers. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until potatoes are tender. The sauce will be thinner than the baked version, but still incredibly flavorful and delicious.

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More Holiday Recipes to Serve with Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole

Looking for more delicious dishes to complete your holiday meal? Check out these popular holiday recipes that pair perfectly with this Pioneer Woman ham potato casserole:

[Link to Holiday Recipe 1]
[Link to Holiday Recipe 2]
[Link to Holiday Recipe 3]

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Pioneer Woman Ham Potato Casserole Recipe Card

Ingredients

3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (washed thoroughly)
2 Tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
3 cups diced ham
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese*

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9X13 casserole dish, and set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and sauté until they just start to turn translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ham and sauté until it is heated through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the ham and onions to a bowl, and set aside.
Pour the half-and-half and heavy cream into a microwave safe container. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes (just enough to remove the chill). Whisk in the flour and black pepper until it’s smooth and fully combined.
Using a mandolin, set the thickness to the thinnest setting (1/8 inch thickness) and slice all the potatoes (discarding the first slice and the end slice).
Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared dish, slightly overlapping each other. Then evenly spread 1/3 of the ham and onions over the potatoes.
Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese over the ham. Whisk the cream mixture before you add it to the dish each time, then spread 1/3 of the cream mixture over the casserole.
Repeat this step 2 more times, ending with a layer of the cream sauce over a layer of the cheese. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender (about 45 minutes). After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake until it looks hot and bubbly (20-25 more minutes).
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes so that the sauce has a chance to thicken up, then cut into squares and serve.

Recipe Notes

*It’s important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheeses are coated in an anti-caking agent that makes the texture gritty after it melts.

**If you want to speed up the cooking time in the oven, you could boil the potatoes for 5 minutes, drain them, and allow them to cool enough to handle them before assembling the casserole.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1/8 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 615Total Fat: 39.5gCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2.7gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 26.9g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Tag @YourWebsiteHandle on Instagram so we can see your delicious meal!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and delicious ham and potato casserole inspired by the Pioneer Woman as much as I do. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy, cheesy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!