Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes. This hearty dish is loaded with creamy layers of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and tender chunks of ham, perfectly balanced with the crunch of crispy bacon. It’s an irresistible combination that brings together the savory, salty goodness in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next gathering, this cheesy potato bake has you covered. The creamy texture of the potatoes combined with the rich flavors of ham and bacon makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s a simple, one-bowl wonder that you can prepare in minutes, making it an instant family favorite.
Full Recipe:
- 1 (2 lb) bag frozen diced potatoes, thawed
- 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to your preference
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/3 cup green onions
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and minced onion until smooth.
- Add the potatoes, cheese, ham, bacon, and green onions to the bowl and toss until well coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 246 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Frozen Diced Potatoes: Using frozen diced potatoes saves time and effort. They are pre-cut and cook evenly, making them an ideal choice for this casserole dish. You can also use hash browns or freshly diced potatoes if you prefer.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient adds creaminess and depth of flavor. If you prefer a different taste or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Sour Cream: Provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture, balancing the saltiness from the bacon and ham.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique taste.
- Ham & Bacon: The combination of ham and crispy bacon adds a hearty and savory element to the dish, making it both filling and flavorful.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, minced onion, salt, and pepper enhance the dish’s savory profile without overwhelming the primary flavors of ham and cheese.
Recipe Tips & Tricks:
- Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Consider adding mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it Ahead: This dish is perfect for preparing in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the cooking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Crispy Top: For a crispy, golden-brown top layer, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter on top before baking.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: To add some veggies and color to the dish, consider mixing in diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or peas.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer a hands-off approach, cook this dish in a crockpot. Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 hours. Sprinkle with additional cheese, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve these cheesy potatoes as a hearty main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Side Dish: These potatoes also make a delicious side dish to accompany roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.
- Toppings: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 579mg
Background & Inspiration:
This recipe is inspired by classic comfort food casseroles that bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. The combination of ham, bacon, and cheese is reminiscent of many beloved family dishes, making it a nostalgic favorite for many. The ease of preparation and the hearty ingredients make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple & Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is easy to throw together.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side. Customize it with different cheeses, add veggies, or spice it up according to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a hassle-free dinner.
Origins & History:
The Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes recipe draws inspiration from classic American casseroles, particularly the beloved “Funeral Potatoes.” Originating in the Midwest, Funeral Potatoes are a comfort food staple, often served at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks. They typically include a creamy base (like sour cream and cream soup), potatoes, and plenty of cheese. Adding ham and bacon gives this version a hearty, smoky twist that enhances the dish’s savory flavor profile, making it a meal in itself.
Variations & Customization Ideas:
This versatile dish allows for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Meat Variations: Swap the ham and bacon for cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Different Potato Types: While frozen diced potatoes are convenient, you can use freshly diced potatoes or even shredded hash browns. If using raw potatoes, make sure to parboil them until tender before mixing them into the casserole.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like broccoli, peas, corn, or spinach. This not only adds color but also introduces new textures and flavors.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Variations: Mix and match different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss can add a unique twist to the dish. You can also use smoked cheese to enhance the bacon’s smokiness.
- Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, top the casserole with crushed potato chips, cornflakes, or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking. This creates a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Health Considerations & Dietary Modifications:
While this dish is indulgently creamy and cheesy, there are ways to modify it to make it slightly healthier or fit specific dietary needs:
- Lower-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to cut back on calories and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the cream of chicken soup used is gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free ingredients. Most other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
- Lower Sodium: To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium versions of the cream soup, opt for reduced-sodium bacon, and control the salt added to the dish.
- Vegetarian: Replace the ham and bacon with a vegetarian meat substitute or extra vegetables. Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian-friendly soup base.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions:
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve as a hearty main dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the potatoes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well, cutting through the creaminess of the casserole.
- As a Side Dish: This casserole makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. It’s particularly popular during holiday meals like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Turn this into a breakfast casserole by adding scrambled eggs or serve it alongside fried or poached eggs for a hearty brunch option.
- Potluck Favorite: This dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, as it can be prepared in advance and feeds a crowd. It pairs wonderfully with other classic dishes like grilled meats, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, prepare the dish but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil if the top starts to brown too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutritional Analysis (Per Serving):
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
- Sodium: 579mg
- Potassium: 91mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Vitamin A: 575IU
- Vitamin C: 1.2mg
- Calcium: 261mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Interesting Facts & Tips:
- Origins: The term “Funeral Potatoes” originated because this dish is often served at gatherings after funerals in the U.S., particularly in the Midwest, due to its comforting nature and ease of serving a crowd.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is known for being a universal favorite, appealing to all ages. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor are hard to resist, making it a great dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings.
- One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can mix all the ingredients in one bowl, minimizing the cleanup and making it an easy option for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, savory ham, and crispy bacon in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this hearty casserole is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.