Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting!

When comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes. Tender slices of golden potatoes layered with savory chunks of ham, onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce — this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, filling meal that practically cooks itself.

It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish for busy days, cozy weekends, or when you want to breathe new life into leftover holiday ham. Once you’ve tried it, this family-favorite slow cooker meal will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🕐 Effortless prep: The slow cooker does all the work — just layer, cover, and cook.
• 🍖 Great use for leftovers: Perfect for using leftover ham from holidays or Sunday dinner.
• 🧀 Rich and creamy: The velvety cheese sauce wraps every bite in cozy comfort.
• 🥔 Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples — affordable, filling, and family-approved.
• 👩‍🍳 One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

The slow cooker is a home cook’s secret weapon for transforming humble ingredients into something deeply flavorful. The low, even heat gently softens the potatoes while allowing the ham’s smoky flavor to infuse every layer. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells incredible, and your dinner is ready to serve.

This dish is especially wonderful during cooler months when you crave something hearty without hovering over a stove.

Ingredients

Base Layers

• 6 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced or cubed
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup additional cheese for topping
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients:
   Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Dice the ham and thinly slice the onion.
2. Make the cheese sauce:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until melted and creamy.
3. Layer in the slow cooker:
   Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray or butter. Layer half the sliced potatoes, followed by half the ham and onions. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.
4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Add final touch:
   Sprinkle extra cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a gooey finish.
6. Serve:
   Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and hearty — this slow cooker ham and potatoes recipe is the perfect comfort food made effortlessly in your crockpot.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Layers

• 6 medium potatoes peeled and sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham diced
• 1 small onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Creamy Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk whole or 2%
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp paprika

Optional Toppings

• 0.5 cup cheddar cheese for topping
• 2 tbsp parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Prepare all ingredients and lightly grease the slow cooker.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk to form a smooth sauce.
3. Add cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until melted.
4. Layer potatoes, ham, and onions in the slow cooker, pouring sauce over each layer.
5. Cover and cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4 hours until tender.
6. Sprinkle with extra cheese near the end and garnish with herbs before serving.

Notes

Best served warm. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Tips for Success

• Use the right potatoes: Yukon golds or russets hold their texture best in slow cooking.
• Slice evenly: Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
• Don’t skip the roux: It keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from curdling.
• Customize the cheese: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for variety.
• Avoid overcooking: Once the potatoes are tender, switch the cooker to “warm” to maintain texture.

Variations

• 🥓 Ham and Bacon Duo: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
• 🧅 Loaded Potato Style: Stir in sour cream and green onions before serving.
• 🌽 Country Style: Add 1 cup of frozen corn or peas for color and sweetness.
• 🧄 Garlic Lover’s Edition: Double the garlic and sprinkle with roasted garlic powder.
• 🥦 Veggie Packed: Layer broccoli florets or spinach between potato layers for a balanced meal.

How to Use Leftover Ham

This recipe shines brightest with leftover holiday ham — whether it’s from Easter, Christmas, or Sunday supper. If your ham is glazed, that touch of sweetness adds an extra depth of flavor to the creamy potatoes.

If you don’t have leftovers, you can use thick-cut ham steaks or pre-diced ham from the grocery store.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy dish straight from the slow cooker or spooned into bowls. It pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
• Buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread

For a complete meal, add a light dessert like fruit salad or lemon bars — the perfect fresh finish after this rich comfort dish.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate (unbaked), and start it in the morning.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fiber: 2g

Why This Recipe Works

The magic comes from layering — as the potatoes cook, they release moisture that combines with the creamy sauce and cheesy goodness to create a perfectly thick, savory blend. The ham infuses every bite with a subtle smoky, salty note, while the potatoes soak up all the flavor.

Slow cooking allows the sauce to develop a deep richness that stovetop versions can’t match — truly a comfort meal with minimal effort.

Fun Fact

Did you know the concept of “au gratin potatoes” (creamy, cheesy baked potatoes) originated in 18th-century France? The slow cooker version brings that same creamy indulgence to modern kitchens — with the bonus of convenience and hands-free cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is comfort food at its finest — hearty, simple, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that requires zero fuss or a way to use up leftover ham, this dish checks every box.

Each bite delivers tender potatoes, savory ham, and a silky cheese sauce that tastes like pure home-cooked love. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl — one you’ll come back to again and again.