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Delicious Cheesy Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole is a great way to use up leftover spiral baked ham and mashed potatoes from a big holiday dinner! Creamy, rich, cheesy leftover ham is the best way to use up leftover Easter dinner ham!
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Easy Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole
After the holidays, we always have tons of leftovers. Ham, turkey, veggies, rolls… and mashed potatoes. Always gallons and gallons of mashed potatoes!
This year, I came up with a delicious twist on a mashed potatoes that is SO incredibly easy and delicious- this Cheesy Leftover Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole is a great way to use up all those mashed potatoes (and honey baked or spiral ham).
If you’ve ever had a big pile of Leftover Easter Ham and you’ve been looking for a delicious, hearty, comforting, and delicious way to use up leftover spiral ham – you need to bookmark this Cheesy Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole recipe!
This leftover ham casserole was so easy to make it came together in under five minutes (just chop up some cold leftover ham, shred some cheese, and dump it all in a bowl) – and can even be made as a one-pot meal if you mix it all in the bowl you’re going to cook it in.
This cheesy ham and potato casserole is so delicious and easy- when I made it, it disappeared in seconds. My husband and my in-laws happily scooped it all up and even grabbed seconds! It was gone in a flash… and we were all quite full and happy – and I was glad to have a new way to use up leftover Easter ham.
This is an awesome recipe to have ready after your next big holiday dinner (or anytime you’re making a big spiral cut ham dinner and mashed potatoes).
You could also top this with crunchy onions, bacon, pancetta- or mix in peas, roasted carrots or turnips, and any other veggie you have leftover on hand!
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheesy Ham Casserole
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Ham (1 lb) – Diced ham adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes.
- Mashed potatoes (4 cups) – Creamy mashed potatoes form the rich, comforting base of the casserole, holding all the flavors together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup) – Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy and robust flavor, melting into a gooey, irresistible topping.
- Garlic powder (1 tbsp) – A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the dish with a subtle, savory depth that complements the other ingredients.
- Celtic sea salt (1 tsp) – Celtic sea salt adds a natural, mineral-rich seasoning that brings out the best in each component of the casserole.
- Black pepper (1 tsp) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Butter (4 tbsp) – Melted butter enriches the mashed potatoes, making them extra creamy and flavorful.
- Chicken stock (2 tbsp) – Chicken stock adds moisture and a savory backbone to the casserole, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Caramelized onions (½ cup) – Sweet and tender caramelized onions infuse the casserole with a rich, savory-sweet complexity.
Use this Method
Prep. Grease a large casserole dish.
Mix. Add all ingredients to dish and mix well.
Bake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 35 minutes – until cheese is bubbly and melted. Cover with foil for first 20 minutes of cooktime, removing at the end to crisp up the top of the casserole.
Tips and Tricks for Mashed Potato and Ham Casserole
Season Generously. Season the mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a subtle warmth.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs. Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the mashed potatoes for added freshness and flavor. They pair well with the cheese and ham.
Try variants like the following:
- Add smoked gouda for a deliciously rich smoky casserole everyone will rave about!
- Add bell peppers for a pop of color and a fresh, delicious crunch.
- Mix in dill, basil, or rosemary.
- Top with crumbled bacon for an extra indulgent ham casserole.
- Mix lightly browned mushrooms into the ham and potato casserole
- Add roasted garlic cloves for an earthy, rich hit.
Add Vegetables. For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach. These can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or layered with the ham.
Top with Crunch. For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole before baking. This adds a satisfying crunch.
Let it Rest Before Serving. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Prep Ahead of Time. Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven. This makes it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or holiday prep.
Add Some Spice. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes.
Broil to Get it Crispy. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
FAQs
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but for the best flavor and texture, homemade mashed potatoes are recommended. If using instant, consider adding extra butter, cream, or sour cream to enhance the flavor.
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.
Any cooked ham will work, but a smoked or honey-glazed ham adds extra flavor. You can use leftover ham or purchase pre-cooked ham from the store.
To boost flavor, consider adding caramelized onions, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a bit of Dijon mustard to the mashed potatoes.
Yes, adding vegetables like sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli can make the casserole more nutritious and colorful. Just ensure they are cooked before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or crushed crackers and sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also broil the casserole for the last few minutes to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Yes, simply ensure that all your ingredients, such as chicken stock and any added breadcrumbs, are gluten-free. You can skip the breadcrumb topping or use gluten-free alternatives.
What to Enjoy with Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole
If you love this deliciously easy and cheesy leftover ham recipe, please visit some of my other favorite recipes that use up leftovers from a big dinner! These dishes are quick, simple, easy – and family approved ways to use up holiday dinner leftovers in a way you won’t get sick of eating! Try Easy Loaded Leftover Mashed Potato Soup and my favorite Leftover Pie Parfaits!
Try these salads with your casserole:
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Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb spiral ham, cubed
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp celtic sea salt
- 1 tsp pepper, fresh cracked
- 4 tbsp butter, diced
- 2 tbsp chicken stock
- ½ cup caramelized onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a large casserole dish.
- Add all ingredients to dish and mix well.
- Bake for 35 minutes – until cheese is bubbly and melted. Cover with foil for first 20 minutes of cooktime, removing at the end to crisp up the top of the casserole.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Added a couple hardboiled eggs, increased the mashed potatoes to 5 cups and broth to a quarter cup. This recipe is similiar to an old favorite of my husband’s. Its his new favorite again!
Glad you loved it! Great suggestions!
This sounds so delicious! Thanks for this great idea.
Yum! I love mashed potatoes and ham! I’ve pinned it to the Tasty Tuesday’s PInterest board for future reference! Thanks for linking up at our party.
Oh my this sounds yummy! Pinned
I love re-purposing leftovers and this looks great! No wonder it went in a flash. It always is a bit of a bummer when the leftovers of a great meal are gone!