Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Potatoes

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7–8 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 6–8 people

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)

  • Ham: 2 cups cooked ham, diced (perfect for leftovers!)

  • Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

  • Cheese: 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

  • Sauce Base: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of potato or cream of onion soup

  • Dairy: 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup whole milk

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste

  • Garnish: Fresh chives or green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

  2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Layering: * Place 1/3 of the sliced potatoes in the bottom.

    • Top with 1/3 of the diced ham and 1/3 of the shredded cheese.

    • Drizzle 1/3 of the sauce over the layer.

    • Repeat layers twice more, reserving the final cup of cheese for the very end.

  4. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

  5. The Melty Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Cover until melted.

  6. Garnish: Top with fresh chives and serve warm.

Tips & Notes

  • The Potato Choice: I highly recommend Yukon Golds. They hold their shape better than Russets and have a naturally buttery texture that thrives in a slow cooker.

  • Avoid Curdling: If you use low-fat milk or “light” sour cream, the sauce may break or look curdled due to the high heat. Stick to full-fat dairy for the creamiest results.

  • Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one. Consistent thickness ensures all potatoes finish cooking at the exact same time.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimates based on 1/8th of the recipe.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 385 kcal
Total Fat 22g
Carbohydrates 28g
Protein 19g
Sodium 890mg

Benefits of This Dish

  • High Protein: Between the ham and the cheddar, this is a surprisingly satiating side dish or a standalone main.

  • Energy Dense: Great for fueling active families or cold-weather dinners.

  • Zero Waste: This is arguably the best way to use up a holiday ham bone or leftover slices.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead?

A: Absolutely! Replace the sliced potatoes with a 30 oz bag of frozen cubed or shredded hash browns. Reduce the cook time to about 3 hours on High.

Q: My sauce looks a bit thin, how can I thicken it?

A: Let the slow cooker sit uncovered for 15–20 minutes after it’s done cooking. The starch from the potatoes will naturally thicken the sauce as it cools slightly.

Q: Can I add vegetables?

A: Yes! Broccoli florets or frozen peas are great additions. Add them in the last 45 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

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