Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes

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Make the best Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes with this easy, creamy, and delicious recipe! Tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese come together in a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort food meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, the crockpot does almost all of the work! This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or using up leftover ham after Easter or Christmas. It’s an easy, hearty dish that everyone will want seconds of!

If you love creamy, cheesy potatoes, you’re going to fall in love with this slow cooker recipe!

I’m a big fan of recipes that combine simple ingredients to make a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And these cheesy ham and potatoes are exactly that! We’re talking tender bites of potatoes, chunks of smoky ham, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that coats every bite.

What could be better?

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to prepare. You don’t have to boil the potatoes, make a cheese sauce on the stove, or turn on the oven. Simply add the potatoes, ham, and a few other ingredients to the crockpot, then let it work its magic!

I especially love making this recipe when I have leftover ham in the refrigerator. After a holiday dinner, there’s usually plenty of ham left over, and this is such a delicious way to turn it into a completely different meal.

But don’t worry, you don’t need leftover holiday ham to make this recipe! You can also purchase diced, fully cooked ham at the grocery store, which makes the preparation even easier.

The secret to getting the best creamy texture is adding freshly shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream near the end of the cooking time. This creates a rich, smooth sauce without the cheese becoming oily or grainy during several hours of slow cooking.

Serve this dish as a hearty main course with a simple green salad, or make it as a cheesy potato side dish for your next family gathering.

Either way, I know you’re going to love how easy it is to make!

Why you’ll love this recipe

There are so many reasons to add these Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes to your regular dinner rotation!

• It’s incredibly easy to make. With only 15 minutes of preparation, you can add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the cooking. There’s no need to boil the potatoes or prepare a separate sauce on the stove.

• It’s the perfect way to use leftover ham. If you have extra ham after Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, this recipe turns it into a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family can enjoy.

• It’s loaded with cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a creamy sauce make these potatoes wonderfully rich and flavorful.

• It’s a complete meal in one pot. With potatoes, ham, and cheese, this recipe is filling enough to serve as a main course. Just add a fresh salad or vegetables on the side, and dinner is ready!

• It’s great for holidays and potlucks. Using the slow cooker frees up valuable oven space when you’re preparing a big meal. Once cooked, the potatoes can be kept warm for serving, making this a convenient dish for gatherings.

And did I mention how delicious your kitchen will smell while the potatoes and ham are cooking? The combination of savory ham, onions, and garlic seasoning is so good!

Ingredients

Here I explain the best ingredients for this Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact ingredient measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

– Potatoes – I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe. They have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them perfect for slow cooker cheesy potatoes. They also hold their shape nicely during cooking. You can use russet potatoes instead, but they contain more starch and tend to break down a little more as they cook. You’ll need 2½ pounds of potatoes, cut into approximately ¾-inch cubes.

– Cooked ham – this is a great recipe for using leftover holiday ham! You’ll need 2 cups of diced, fully cooked ham. You can use leftover baked ham, smoked ham, or packaged diced ham from the grocery store. I recommend cutting the ham into bite-sized pieces, so you get a little ham in every spoonful.

– Yellow onion – adds a delicious, savory flavor to the potatoes. I recommend using a small yellow onion because it has a nice, neutral flavor that becomes sweeter as it cooks. You can also use a sweet onion if you prefer.

– Cream of chicken soup – a can of condensed cream of chicken soup creates the base of the creamy sauce. It adds flavor and helps keep the potatoes moist as they cook. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup, if you prefer a different flavor.

– Chicken broth – helps thin the condensed soup just enough to coat the potatoes evenly. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth because the ham, soup, and cheese already contain salt. You can also use vegetable broth.

– Garlic powder – adds delicious garlic flavor without needing to mince fresh garlic. I love the combination of garlic, potatoes, and cheddar cheese!

– Smoked paprika – adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham. You can substitute regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika in your pantry.

– Black pepper – seasons the potatoes and balances the richness of the creamy cheese sauce. I recommend freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

– Sharp cheddar cheese – this is the ingredient that makes the potatoes extra cheesy and delicious! I recommend purchasing a block of sharp cheddar and grating it at home. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking additives that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. You can use medium cheddar if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.

– Sour cream – adds even more creaminess to the potatoes, along with a slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheddar cheese. I recommend using full-fat sour cream for the best texture.

– Fresh parsley or green onions (optional) – sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness.

What are the best potatoes to use?

For this recipe, my first choice is always Yukon Gold potatoes.

They have a creamy, buttery texture that makes them perfect for cheesy potato recipes. They also hold together well in the slow cooker, so you get tender pieces of potatoes instead of a pot of mashed potatoes.

Russet potatoes are another option. They’re easy to find at most grocery stores and work well with the creamy cheese sauce.

Because russets contain more starch, they can become softer and break apart more easily during slow cooking. If you’re using them, I recommend checking the potatoes a little earlier in the cooking process.

Red potatoes will also work! They have thin skins and a slightly firmer texture, so you can leave the skins on if you like.

No matter which variety you choose, try to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This will help them cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some potatoes that are soft and others that are still firm.

Instructions

I’ve included step-by-step instructions below to make this recipe super easy to follow at home. For the full detailed recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For this recipe, I recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker. This gives the potatoes enough space to cook evenly and makes it easy to stir everything together before serving.

Step 1. Prepare the potatoes and ham

Start by washing the potatoes under cold running water.

If you’re using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, you can leave the skins on or peel them, depending on your preference. I like peeling them for a creamier texture, but leaving the skins on will save a little prep time.

Dice the potatoes into approximately ¾-inch cubes.

Try to keep the pieces close to the same size, so they’ll cook evenly in the crockpot.

Next, dice the fully cooked ham into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the yellow onion.

Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Add the diced potatoes, ham, and onion to the crockpot.

Step 2. Make the creamy sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Don’t add extra salt just yet!

Ham, condensed soup, and cheddar cheese all contain salt, so I recommend tasting the finished potatoes before adding any additional seasoning.

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the potatoes and ham in the slow cooker.

Use a large spoon to gently stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 3. Slow cook the potatoes

Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for approximately 3-4 hours.

I recommend cooking the potatoes on low whenever possible. This gives them time to soften without breaking apart too much.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and how hot your particular slow cooker runs.

Near the end of the cooking time, use a fork to check the potatoes.

They should be tender enough that the fork slides easily into the center, but still hold their shape when stirred.

If the potatoes are still firm, replace the lid and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes before checking again.

Step 4. Add the cheese and sour cream

Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the slow cooker to low if it was cooking on high.

Add ½ cup of sour cream and 1½ cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese.

Gently stir until the cheese and sour cream are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

The heat from the potatoes will begin melting the cheese into the creamy sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top.

Place the lid back on the crockpot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low, or until the cheese is melted and the entire dish is hot.

Step 5. Serve the cheesy ham and potatoes

Remove the lid and allow the potatoes to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

This gives the cheesy sauce a little time to thicken.

Taste the potatoes and add salt or additional black pepper, if needed.

For serving, I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the top.

You can serve the potatoes directly from the crockpot or transfer them to a large serving bowl.

They’re best served warm, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the sauce is at its creamiest!

Recipe tips

This is a really easy slow cooker recipe, but I’ve included a few tips to help you make the best cheesy ham and potatoes every time.

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This is one of the most important steps! If some potatoes are much larger than others, the smaller pieces may become mushy before the larger ones are tender. Aim for approximately ¾-inch cubes.

Use fully cooked ham. This recipe is designed for leftover or packaged cooked ham. Uncooked ham requires different preparation and cooking considerations, so I don’t recommend substituting it directly.

Freshly shred the cheddar cheese. I always recommend grating cheese from a block when making creamy cheese recipes. It melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese and gives the sauce a better texture.

Wait until the end to add the cheese. Adding cheddar cheese at the beginning means it will cook for several hours, which can cause the sauce to become oily or grainy. Stirring it in near the end keeps everything creamy.

Don’t add too much liquid. The potatoes and onions release some moisture as they cook. You only need ½ cup of chicken broth to thin the condensed soup. Adding too much broth can make the sauce watery.

Avoid stirring the potatoes too often. Once they’re tender, vigorous stirring can break them apart. Gently fold in the cheese and sour cream to keep the potato pieces intact.

Use low-sodium broth. Since ham and cheese are naturally salty, low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over the finished flavor.

Let the potatoes rest before serving. Just 5 minutes with the lid removed can help the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.

Recipe variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to change the ingredients to make a slightly different version.

Here are a few delicious variations to try!

Cheesy ham and potatoes with bacon

If you love bacon, this variation is for you!

Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into small pieces.

After adding the cheddar cheese and sour cream, sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top of the potatoes.

The crispy bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham and melted cheese.

I recommend saving some bacon to sprinkle on top right before serving, so it stays crispy.

Broccoli, ham, and cheese potatoes

Want to add some vegetables to this delicious comfort food dish?

Stir 2 cups of small broccoli florets into the slow cooker approximately 30-45 minutes before the potatoes are finished cooking.

I recommend using fresh broccoli for this variation.

The broccoli will become tender without cooking for the entire time, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy cheddar cheese sauce.

You can also add peas near the end of the cooking time for another easy vegetable option.

Spicy cheesy ham and potatoes

For a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the creamy soup mixture.

You can also add a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies to the slow cooker with the potatoes and ham.

If you really want to spice things up, replace half of the cheddar cheese with shredded pepper jack cheese.

This creates a creamy, cheesy potato dish with a little spicy kick!

Cheesy ranch ham and potatoes

Ranch seasoning is a delicious addition to potatoes, ham, and cheddar cheese.

Simply add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the creamy soup mixture before pouring it over the potatoes.

The ranch seasoning adds garlic, onion, and herb flavors that work really well with the other ingredients.

Since ranch seasoning mixes often contain salt, I recommend using a low-sodium variety or reducing any additional salt in the dish.

Extra cheesy potatoes

If you’re a cheese lover like me, you can add even more cheese!

Use 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, instead of 2 cups of cheddar.

Monterey Jack has a mild flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce, while sharp cheddar provides the rich, cheesy flavor.

You can also sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese over the potatoes just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use frozen potatoes?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen diced potatoes or cubed hash browns instead of fresh potatoes.

You’ll need approximately 30-32 ounces of thawed frozen diced potatoes to replace the fresh potatoes in this recipe.

Since frozen diced potatoes may be partially cooked before packaging, they can soften faster than fresh potatoes.

I recommend checking them after approximately 3 hours on low, then continuing to cook until they’re tender and the entire dish is thoroughly heated.

Make sure the potatoes are thawed in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can you use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely!

While sharp cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, there are several other delicious options.

Colby Jack cheese is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and makes the sauce extra creamy.

You can also use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella, although mozzarella has a milder flavor.

If you want a stronger cheese flavor, try replacing a small portion of the cheddar with smoked gouda.

No matter which cheese you choose, I recommend shredding it at home for the best results.

Can you make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Yes, but you’ll need another ingredient to replace the creamy base.

The easiest substitution is a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

If you prefer not to use condensed soup, you can prepare a homemade cream sauce on the stove with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.

You’ll want the sauce to be relatively thick before adding it to the crockpot, since a thin sauce can become watery during slow cooking.

For the easiest version of this recipe, I recommend sticking with the condensed soup.

Why are my potatoes still hard?

If your potatoes are still firm after the recommended cooking time, they simply need more time to cook.

This can happen when the potatoes are cut into larger pieces or when using a slow cooker that heats a little more slowly.

Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes before checking again.

Try not to remove the lid too often during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes from the crockpot and can increase the cooking time.

Can you make cheesy ham and potatoes in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make a similar version of this recipe in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Combine the diced potatoes, ham, onions, creamy soup mixture, and seasonings in a greased 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Remove the foil, stir in the sour cream and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The oven version has a slightly different texture, but it’s just as delicious!

What to serve with cheesy ham and potatoes

These Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes can be served as either a main course or a side dish.

Since the recipe already includes potatoes, protein, and plenty of cheese, it’s hearty enough to serve as an easy family dinner.

I like pairing it with something fresh to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great choice. The crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables pair perfectly with the tender potatoes and melted cheddar.

Roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are also delicious served alongside this dish.

If you’re serving these cheesy potatoes for brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and toasted bread.

For a holiday meal, this recipe makes a great side dish with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or pork tenderloin.

It’s also perfect for a potluck because you can transport it in the slow cooker and serve it right from the crockpot.

And if you’re making this recipe for a cozy family dinner, a warm dinner roll or piece of crusty bread is always a delicious addition.

I especially love using bread to soak up any extra cheesy sauce left on the plate!

How to make it ahead of time

If you’re planning to serve these cheesy ham and potatoes for a holiday or family gathering, there are a few things you can prepare ahead of time.

The easiest option is to dice the ham and onion the day before making the recipe.

Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble everything.

You can also shred the cheddar cheese a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container.

I recommend waiting to cut the potatoes until you’re ready to cook. Raw diced potatoes can turn brown when exposed to air.

If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can submerge the diced potatoes in cold water and refrigerate them overnight. Drain thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.

Once everything is prepared, you’ll only need a few minutes to combine the ingredients in the crockpot.

I don’t recommend assembling the entire recipe in the slow cooker insert and leaving it refrigerated overnight. A very cold ceramic insert may be damaged by sudden temperature changes, and the potatoes can discolor.

Keeping the prepared ingredients separate is the easiest make-ahead method!

How to store and reheat leftovers

These cheesy ham and potatoes make delicious leftovers, so don’t worry if you have a little extra after dinner!

How to store them

Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then transfer them to shallow, airtight containers.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Leftover cheesy ham and potatoes will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored properly at 40°F or below.

I recommend dividing larger batches into smaller containers, so they’ll cool more quickly and will be easier to reheat.

How to reheat them

My favorite way to reheat leftover cheesy ham and potatoes is in the microwave.

Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.

Cover loosely and microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through to 165°F.

The milk helps loosen the cheese sauce, which can thicken after refrigeration.

You can also reheat larger portions in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of milk, stir gently, and heat until the potatoes are hot throughout.

If you’re reheating a large amount for another meal, you can use a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until the center reaches 165°F.

I don’t recommend using a slow cooker to reheat cold leftovers because they may take too long to reach a safe temperature.

Can you freeze cheesy ham and potatoes?

Yes, although the texture may change after freezing.

Potatoes can become slightly grainy or watery when frozen and thawed, and dairy-based sauces sometimes separate during reheating.

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh or refrigerating leftovers for another meal.

If you do want to freeze it, divide the cooled potatoes into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Add a little milk and stir gently while reheating to help bring the creamy sauce back together.

More easy slow cooker recipes

If you love how easy it is to make these Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes, there are so many other delicious meals you can prepare in your crockpot!

Slow cooker creamed corn is one of my favorite side dishes for holidays and family dinners. The combination of sweet corn, butter, and cream cheese makes an incredibly creamy dish that’s easy to prepare.

Crockpot macaroni and cheese is another great option for cheese lovers. Tender pasta, melted cheddar, and a creamy sauce make it a popular choice for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

For an easy main course, try slow cooker barbecue chicken or pulled pork. Both are great for serving a crowd and pair perfectly with simple potato side dishes.

And when you’re craving a cozy dinner, slow cooker potato soup is always a delicious option. It’s especially good topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.

I love having a collection of easy crockpot recipes that can be prepared with just a few minutes of work.

These cheesy ham and potatoes are one of those dishes that fit almost any occasion. They’re creamy, comforting, full of flavor, and easy enough to make for dinner any night of the week.

Whether you’re using up leftover holiday ham or making a simple family dinner, this is a recipe worth keeping!

 

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