Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
Hearty and satisfying, Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any gathering. These creamy, cheesy delights boast a rich flavor profile thanks to the combination of savory ham, crispy bacon, and a generous helping of cheese. Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish will be the star of your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The mix of ham, bacon, and cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side with your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own as a comforting meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves eight, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and simply bake it before serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools to make cooking smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 baking dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency when combining the wet ingredients.
Ingredients
Hearty, creamy and flavorful these Cheesy Potatoes are filled with bits of ham, crumbled bacon, loads of cheese and is bursting with flavor in each and every bite.
For the Base
- 1 2 lb bag frozen diced potatoes, thawed
- 1 16 oz container sour cream
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 4 Tbs butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to your preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp minced onion
For the Add-Ins
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/3 cup green onions
How to Make Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and minced onion. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next:
1. Add in the thawed diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
2. Toss everything together until well combined and fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish:
1. Spread it out evenly.
2. Bake uncovered in the oven for about 45 minutes.
Step 5: Add More Cheese
After 45 minutes:
1. Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional cheese.
2. Return to oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy your delicious Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes!
How to Serve Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes make a delightful side dish that complements various meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the richness of the cheesy potatoes.
Serve with Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts pair well with these cheesy potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Steak: A perfectly cooked steak enhances the flavor and makes it a filling dinner.
Add Some Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans provide a fresh and vibrant side.
Enjoy as a Comfort Food
- With a Side of Gravy: Drizzle some gravy over the potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Top with Jalapeños: For those who love heat, adding jalapeños gives a spicy kick to this dish.
How to Perfect Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
To achieve the best results with your Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Thawed Potatoes: Thawing your frozen diced potatoes ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture.
- Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Make sure all ingredients are well combined for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before baking.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely.
- Experiment with Cheese Types: Feel free to mix different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Gouda, for unique flavors.
- Add Extras: Try incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes can be served alongside several delightful dishes. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly seasoned complement the richness of cheesy potatoes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of flavor and color, perfect for summer meals.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the potatoes.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans enhance the savory elements of both ham and bacon in your dish.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and spices create an inviting plate.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for an irresistible side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the thawing step: Using frozen potatoes without thawing can lead to uneven cooking. Always thaw your potatoes first for the best texture.
- Not seasoning enough: Insufficient seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels as you mix.
- Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out the potatoes and make them tough. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well, ruining the creamy texture. Use good quality shredded cheddar for optimal results.
- Neglecting to coat everything evenly: If ingredients aren’t mixed well, some bites will be flavorless. Make sure every piece is coated in the creamy mixture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag.
- These cheesy potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes that might help enhance your cooking experience.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh diced potatoes. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before mixing with other ingredients.
How do I make my Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give your dish a spicy kick.
What is the best type of cheese for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese works best due to its melting properties and flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for variety.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve.
How do I customize my Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes?
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!
Final Thoughts
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are a comforting side dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With their creamy texture and rich flavors, they are perfect for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Experiment with different cheeses and veggies for a unique twist that suits your taste!
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering. This creamy casserole combines tender diced potatoes with savory ham, crispy bacon, and generous amounts of melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying side dish that everyone will adore. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone meal, these cheesy potatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, they bring warmth and joy to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lb frozen diced potatoes (thawed)
- 16 oz sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/3 cup green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder until smooth.
- Add in the thawed diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, ham, bacon, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, sprinkle additional cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until melted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
