If you're searching for a comforting dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds, look no further! Our Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes and Ham is the ultimate blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty chunks of ham, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and savory ham wafting through your kitchen—your taste buds will thank you! Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a hit at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by peeling and dicing the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure potatoes are uniformly cut for even cooking.
- Dice the ham into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2-inch in size.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Scatter the diced ham over the potatoes, distributing it uniformly.
- Pour the prepared soup mixture over the potatoes and ham, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and become golden.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: To ensure even cooking, make sure to peel and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness.
- Ham Size Matters: Cut the ham into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch). This allows for better distribution of flavor throughout the dish and makes for easy serving.
- Prevent Sticking: Grease the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing Ingredients: When combining the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture that coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Layering is Key: Spread the diced potatoes evenly in the slow cooker before adding the ham and soup mixture. This layering technique helps to maximize flavor absorption.
- Cheese at the End: For the best melty texture, add the shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow it to melt beautifully without becoming overcooked.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances the overall presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg