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Slow Cooker Creamy Ham & Cheese Casserole

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Slow Cooker Creamy Ham & Cheese Casserole

Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Ham & Cheese Casserole is a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for using leftover ham or preparing an easy family dinner with minimal effort. Tender cubes of ham slowly cook in a creamy cheese sauce until they become incredibly flavorful and juicy. The slow cooker allows all the ingredients to blend together beautifully, creating a velvety, savoury sauce that’s perfect for serving over potatoes, rice, pasta, or even alongside fresh vegetables. This recipe uses simple pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, garlic, onion, and seasonings to create a hearty meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight, preparing dinner for a holiday gathering, or looking for an easy make-ahead recipe, this casserole delivers every time. The creamy sauce coats every piece of ham, while melted cheese adds extra richness that everyone will love. Pair it with buttery dinner rolls, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal. Best of all, leftovers taste even better the next day, making this recipe ideal for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients For the Ham

  • 2 pounds cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Optional Add-Ins

  • 2 cups frozen diced hash browns
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup broccoli florets

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Add the cubed ham to the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried parsley.
  4. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  6. If using hash browns, peas, or broccoli, fold them into the sauce mixture.
  7. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the ham.
  8. Gently stir everything together so the ham is well coated.
  9. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  10. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the sauce is hot, creamy, and the cheese has melted completely.
  11. Stir gently once during the last hour of cooking if possible.
  12. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  13. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes for an even cheesier finish.
  14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
  15. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed rice, or with warm biscuits.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

  • Leftover holiday ham works perfectly in this recipe.
  • Sharp cheddar provides the best flavour, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.
  • Avoid adding too much salt until the end since ham and canned soup already contain sodium.
  • For extra richness, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese during the final 30 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
    Can I use leftover baked ham?
    Yes. This recipe is one of the best ways to transform leftover holiday ham into a completely new meal.
    Can I add potatoes?
    Absolutely. Frozen diced hash browns or cooked cubed potatoes make this casserole even heartier.
    Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and begin cooking the next day.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 8
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 465
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1,180mg
  • Calcium: 24% DV
  • Iron: 8% DV

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