Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals. This dish is rich, hearty, and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. I especially love how the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the potatoes to become tender while soaking up the creamy, savory flavors. The ham adds saltiness and depth, while the sauce brings everything together into a smooth, comforting bite. I once made this using leftover holiday ham, and it turned into one of those recipes everyone kept asking for again. It is budget-friendly, filling, and requires very little hands-on time, which makes it a dependable option when you want something warm and familiar without standing over the stove.
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Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes: An Effortless Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting slow cooker meal made with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for an easy family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes, ham, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then stir in heavy cream.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the crockpot and stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for best texture.
- You can substitute milk for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- This dish thickens more as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Russet potatoes form the foundation of the dish, becoming soft and creamy as they cook slowly.
Cooked ham adds savory richness and makes this recipe ideal for using leftovers.
Yellow onion provides gentle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham.
Garlic cloves deepen the overall flavor with subtle warmth.
Chicken broth creates a flavorful base and prevents the dish from becoming too heavy.
Heavy cream delivers the signature creaminess and smooth texture.
Cream of chicken soup thickens the sauce and adds comforting, familiar flavor.
Butter enhances richness and rounds out the sauce.
Salt helps balance all the ingredients, especially the potatoes.
Black pepper adds mild heat and seasoning depth.
Paprika contributes gentle warmth and subtle color.
Fresh parsley finishes the dish with freshness and visual contrast.
Directions
Begin by lightly greasing the inside of the crockpot. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the diced ham and onion. Sprinkle lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring the potatoes are mostly covered.
Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for three to four hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people comfortably. Preparation takes about fifteen minutes, and cooking time ranges from three to seven hours depending on the crockpot setting.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. For a cheesier version, stir shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese into the dish during the last thirty minutes of cooking. I tried this variation once, and it added an extra layer of indulgence that worked beautifully.
If you prefer more vegetables, carrots or peas make great additions and blend well with the creamy sauce. You can also swap russet potatoes for Yukon Golds, which hold their shape slightly better and have a naturally buttery flavor.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use a reduced-fat soup. If you enjoy herbs, fresh thyme or chives sprinkled on top before serving add a pleasant aromatic finish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich in carbohydrates and protein, making it filling and satisfying. Potatoes provide potassium, while ham contributes protein and sodium. Adjusting cream and butter quantities can help tailor it to lighter dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice potatoes evenly
Uniform slices ensure consistent cooking.
Layer ingredients carefully
Layering helps flavors distribute evenly.
Avoid over-stirring
Gentle stirring preserves potato texture.
Season gradually
Taste before serving, as ham can be salty.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked ham.
What potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, use the low setting and ensure enough liquid is added.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream alternatives, though texture may vary.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cook uncovered for the last thirty minutes if needed.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, cheese works well added near the end.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup to ensure it is gluten-free.
Can I use raw ham?
No, use fully cooked ham only.
What pairs well with this dish?
A green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness.
Conclusion
Creamy Crockpot Ham & Potatoes is a comforting, reliable recipe that delivers warmth and flavor with minimal effort. With tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich sauce, it is a dish that fits seamlessly into everyday cooking and brings familiar comfort to the table.
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