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Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families

Are you craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting? A dish that satisfies your hunger and soul without keeping you in the kitchen all day? Then you’ve come to the right place. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, creamy, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy to make.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a potluck, or using up leftover ham from the holidays, this crockpot casserole is a must-try recipe that checks all the boxes: delicious, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Casserole

🧀 Rich and Cheesy: Melted cheddar and mozzarella create a gooey, creamy texture that’s irresistible.
🥔 Tender Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced russet potatoes soak up all the flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
🍖 Hearty Ham: Diced ham adds a savory, smoky taste and makes it protein-packed.
🕒 Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — no need to hover over the stove.
💰 Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and leftover ham.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy ham and potato casserole in your crockpot:

2 pounds of russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups of diced ham (leftovers work great!)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, dreamy comfort dish that your whole family will ask for again and again.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer it up:
- Add half the sliced potatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Top with half the diced ham and half the shredded cheese.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the top.
Repeat the layers: Use the remaining ingredients to repeat the process — potatoes, ham, cheese, then the remaining soup.
Cook it low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or on HIGH for about 3–4 hours), until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finishing touch: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover for another 10 minutes to melt the cheese into bubbling perfection.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per 1 Cup Serving)

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 20g

This dish offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fat — perfect for a satisfying meal.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Casserole Every Time

Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, which helps them cook evenly.
Don’t skimp on cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives the dish both sharpness and creaminess.
Use leftover ham: This is a great way to repurpose holiday ham or any extra meat from a previous dinner.
Spray your slow cooker: Prevent sticking by lightly greasing your crockpot with cooking spray.
Let it rest: After it finishes cooking, let it sit for 10 minutes so the casserole can set before serving.

🔒 Secrets to Making the BEST Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

The milk-to-soup ratio matters: Too much milk will water down the sauce. Stick to the 1:1 ratio for a perfectly creamy consistency.
Choose starchy potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds work best — they break down just enough to create that classic scalloped texture.
Add caramelized onions for depth: Sautéed onions bring a sweet and savory layer of flavor that takes this casserole over the top.
Experiment with cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for gouda or gruyère if you want a smoky, sophisticated twist.
Crusty topping: For added crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes.

🧂 Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup or make your own roux-based white sauce.
Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium ham and soup to reduce the salt content.

🥘 Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Veggies: Think Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up cheesy leftovers.
Pickles or relish tray: For a sharp contrast to the creamy texture.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble all the layers in the slow cooker the night before. Store it in the fridge, then plug it in and cook it fresh the next day.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No problem! You can bake this casserole in a 9×13-inch dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 60–70 minutes, covered with foil for the first 45 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts), you can double the recipe. Just add 1–2 hours to the cooking time on low.

What’s the best ham to use?

Any cooked ham will work — leftover spiral ham, ham steak, or even deli ham chopped into cubes.

🧡 Final Thoughts: Comfort Food That Cooks Itself

There’s just something magical about a warm, cheesy dish bubbling away in your kitchen while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole is one of those recipes that delivers every single time — a big pot of love made with simple ingredients.

Make it once, and it’ll become part of your family’s regular meal rotation. From lazy Sundays to holiday leftovers, this comforting casserole is always a hit.