Slow Cooker Cheesy Idaho Potatoes and Ham Casserole
A comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender sliced Idaho potatoes layered with ham, onions, and melted cheddar cheese. The potatoes cook in seasoned chicken broth until fork-tender, creating a hearty one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cold weather comfort food. The reduced-fat cheese and lean ham make this a lighter version of classic potato casserole while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Idaho potatoes, scrubbedYukon Gold1:1comfort
similar texture
- 1 cup onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup reduced-sodium ham steak, cubedcooked bacon1:1comfort
more smoky flavor
- 1 cup fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth, canned
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ cup reduced-fat extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Cut scrubbed potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice each half into quarter-inch thick pieces
- 2
Place potatoes, onions, and ham in slow cooker crock
- 3
Whisk together broth, flour, garlic, and pepper in measuring cup
- 4
Pour broth mixture over potato mixture and stir to distribute ingredients
- 5
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring once after 2 hours
- 6
Stir in shredded cheese when cooking is complete
- 7
Divide between bowls and serve
Tips
Don't slice potatoes too thin or they'll fall apart during the long cooking process
Stir once during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking
Add cheese only at the end to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before slow cooking
Serve hot directly from slow cooker with crusty bread or green salad
Common Mistakes
Slice potatoes evenly to avoid uneven cooking
Don't lift lid frequently to prevent heat loss and extended cooking time
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar texture
more smoky flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of Idaho potatoes?
Yes, but Idaho potatoes hold their shape better during long cooking. Yukon Gold are the best substitute as they're less likely to fall apart than russets.
Can I cook this on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes, cook on LOW for 6 hours instead of 3 hours on HIGH. The texture will be slightly more tender with longer cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing isn't recommended as potatoes become watery and grainy when thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.