Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ham and Potatoes
This crockpot ham and potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. I’m obsessed with how it practically cooks itself while I’m handling other things around the house.
The creamy cheese sauce transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic.
What I appreciate most is how it uses up leftover ham brilliantly. No more wondering what to do with that post-holiday meat.
The carrots, potatoes, and onions soak up all that savory goodness during the slow cooking process, creating tender, flavorful bites in every spoonful.
Trust me, your family will request this regularly.
What Ingredients are in Crockpot Ham and Potatoes?
This hearty, soul-warming crockpot ham and potatoes recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something magical during the slow cooking process. The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list—things you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
I’m always amazed at how these everyday items combine to create such a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 6 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups ham, cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
When shopping for this recipe, feel free to use whatever potatoes you have on hand—russets work great for their fluffiness, while Yukon golds add a buttery flavor. For the ham, this is the perfect opportunity to use up holiday leftovers, or you can grab a ham steak from the grocery store.
The Dijon mustard might seem like an unusual addition, but trust me, it adds a subtle tanginess that balances the rich cheese sauce perfectly. And speaking of cheese, sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild works too if that’s what your family prefers.
How to Make This Crockpot Ham and Potatoes
Making this crockpot ham and potatoes couldn’t be easier, and the layering technique creates the perfect balance of flavors. Start by preparing all your vegetables and ham, then layer 2 cups of sliced carrots on the bottom of your crockpot, followed by 6 cups of cubed potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and finally 2 1/2 cups of cubed ham. This creates a foundation that allows the flavors to meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process.
Next comes the creamy sauce that transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary. In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of flour and whisk continuously to create a roux—this will thicken your sauce. Gradually add 3 cups of milk while stirring frequently to prevent lumps (nobody wants a lumpy sauce, right?).
Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and nicely thickened. Now for the flavor boost: add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of parsley, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Finally, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. The way the cheese melts into that velvety sauce is practically mesmerizing.
Pour this luxurious cheese sauce over everything in the crockpot, making sure to cover all the vegetables and ham. Sometimes I use a spoon to gently press down the ingredients to confirm the sauce seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. This long, slow cooking time is key—it allows the potatoes to become tender, the carrots to soften perfectly, and all the flavors to blend into a harmonious, comforting dish that’s worth every minute of the wait.
When the timer beeps, you’ll open your crockpot to find a bubbling, golden meal that’s ready to serve straight to the table.
Crockpot Ham and Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
While you’ve now mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some creative substitutions that can transform this dish to match your preferences or pantry situation.
Don’t have ham? Try smoked turkey or even bacon. Sweet potatoes can replace regular ones for a vitamin boost, and you can swap carrots with parsnips or turnips. Not a fan of cheddar? Gouda or Swiss work beautifully too.
For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of whole milk. Need it dairy-free? Try coconut milk and vegan cheese.
I sometimes add frozen peas during the last hour for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
What to Serve with Crockpot Ham and Potatoes
So you’ve got your hearty, creamy Crockpot Ham and Potatoes simmering away, filling your home with that irresistible aroma – but what should accompany this delicious main dish?
I like to pair this rich comfort food with something light and fresh. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides the perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully too. Sometimes I’ll serve warm dinner rolls for sopping up that wonderful sauce.
Trust me, nothing beats the sight of everyone reaching for seconds while fighting over who gets the last bit of that cheesy ham goodness.
Final Thoughts
After spending countless hours perfecting this recipe, I’ve come to appreciate just how versatile this Crockpot Ham and Potatoes dish truly is.
It’s my go-to solution for using leftover holiday ham or for creating a hearty meal on busy weeknights.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe can be.
Don’t have carrots? Toss in some peas instead. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You really can’t go wrong.
Trust me, your family will request this comfort classic again and again.
Savory Crockpot Ham and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Layer the sliced carrots in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the cubed potatoes on top of the carrots.
- Sprinkle the diced onion over the potatoes.
- Add the cubed ham as the final layer.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring continuously.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
- Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened.
- Add the black pepper, parsley, and Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over everything in the crockpot, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded together.
