A Warm and Cheesy Ham Casserole that is going to change the way you feel about think about the taste of certain ingredients together. This leftover ham casserole recipe is a flavor powerhouse and will take your taste buds by surprise.
You’ve got some extra ham on hand, and the last thing you want is a dull lunch. Enter this unassuming leftover ham casserole—while it may not win any beauty contests, its taste is a hidden gem. Think of it as a ham hot dish, complete with the crunch of shoestring potatoes replacing the usual tater tots.
You’ll need to prepare for seconds to be requested, so making a double batch is a smart move. This dish is not only filling and comforting, but comes with the best textures and flavors. Plus, it’s a hit with the little ones, thanks to the kid-friendly appeal of the crispy shoestring potatoes on top. The familiar crunch makes it easy to win over even the pickiest eaters—I’ve converted a few kids with this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It turns boring leftover ham into something delicious.
- Unexpected ingredients that turn into a winning recipe.
- Simple to put together.
Ingredients
- Water Chestnuts (canned): sliced and found in the Asian aisle of the grocery store, adds texture.
- Almonds: adds even more crunch.
- Pimentos: diced, found close to the pickles in the grocery store.
- Black Pepper: adds subtle heat and flavor
- Shoestring Potatoes: – find these in the snack aisle close to the chips – Pik-Nik brand is the most common.
- Mayonnaise: – full fat version
- Sour Cream: – full fat version
- Scallions: – use both green and white parts
- Fresh Lemon Juice: adds bright tangy taste
- Ham: – use leftover ham
- Celery: Adds more crunch to every bite.
- Frozen Peas – Make sure they are thawed.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: – Extra sharp is best for flavor.
Substitutions:
- If you don’t have slivered almonds, use sliced instead.
- If you can’t find shoestring potatoes, in a pinch use plain kettle chips, which tend to be thicker than regular potato chips.
- If you don’t have leftover ham, use a ham steak.
- Use any cheese you prefer, but extra sharp cheddar gives great flavor.
How To Make Ham Casserole
Step one: Preheat oven and prepare your baking dish.
Step two: In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
Step three: Bake until heated through and cheddar is melty, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shoestring potatoes.
Recipe Tips
- Spend the time to cube the ham into small, bite-sized pieces. It really make a difference and improves the overall final texture of the dish.
- I used a round stoneware baker, about 2″ high and 9.5″ wide. Use whatever shallow casserole baker you have. A 9 x 13 pan is a little too big for this recipe, use something smaller unless you double the recipe.
- Shred your own cheese instead of purchasing pre-shredded, it will melt better.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use low-fat mayo and sour cream? You can, but the full-fat versions adds richness to the dish.
- What other cheeses work well in this casserole? I recommend extra sharp cheddar because it really goes well, but I’ve often thought Gouda or gruyere would add a unique twist.
- Can I make this ham casserole ahead of time? Yes. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven. The baking time will need a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
More Leftover Ham Recipes
- Ham and Biscuits with Red Eye Gravy
- Epic Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
- Skillet Ham Pasta
- Leftover Holiday Ham Strata
- Ham and Havarti Sliders
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Ham
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Warm and Cheesy Ham Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps scallions, white and green part, more for garnish
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups cubed ham -1/2" pieces *
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 8 oz sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tbsps chopped pimentos
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1-1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shoestring potatoes (such as Pik-Nik brand)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, scallions and lemon juice. Add ham, celery, peas, water chestnuts, almonds, pimentos and pepper. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsps scallions, white and green part, more for garnish, 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice, 3 cups cubed ham -1/2" pieces *, 1 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed, 8 oz sliced water chestnuts, drained, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 2 tbsps chopped pimentos, 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, 1-1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Bake until heated through and cheddar is melty, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shoestring potatoes.1 cup shoestring potatoes (such as Pik-Nik brand)
Notes
Nutrition
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sara in NY says
I love this! My kids loved it too with that crunchy topping. Thanks for all these great leftover ham recipes, I never know what to do with mine once it’s all over. I made this for the neighbors too and they were like WHOA! So delicious.
Gianna says
Who would have ever thought these ingredients would turn into the most delicious thing ever? Mind blown.
Aggie says
Goodness gracious, how on earth did this come together and taste so good. It was AMAZING!
jeri says
Kinda like ham poutine, with MAYONNAISE!!!! We were just debating over whether to change to a different roast. Not now, the debate is closed. This was absolutely the best thing we’ve ever tasted with leftover ham.
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Yum! My husband LOVED this and me too. Was incredible.
Kimberly Schaal says
I just came across your recipe, so I have not made it yet. But, let me say how thoughtful and appreciative it is that you put the location of where to find the hard to find, 😆 items. So thank you 😊
Cathy says
You’re welcome!
Sandra Alfano says
The whole family loved this so much! Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Toni says
This is so comforting! And really quick and easy to make! Perfect for busy nights!