Cheesy Ham and Potato Skillet
There are some recipes that just feel like home, and this Cheesy Ham and Potato Skillet is one of them. It's warm, creamy, loaded with melty cheddar cheese, and made with simple ingredients that won't break the grocery budget. Even better, everything comes together in one skillet, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights and hectic back-to-school evenings.
One of my favorite shortcuts in this recipe is using frozen diced potatoes and frozen onions. They save so much prep time without sacrificing flavor. There's no peeling potatoes or chopping onions after a long day, which means dinner can be on the table much faster. As the potatoes cook in butter, they become golden around the edges while staying soft and fluffy inside.
The creamy sauce is what really makes this recipe shine. Cream of chicken soup, heavy whipping cream, Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and a handful of seasonings create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. Don't worry about the Dijon mustard if you're not a mustard fan. It doesn't make the dish taste like mustard at all. Instead, it adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and gives the sauce incredible depth of flavor.
Diced ham makes this an affordable way to feed the family while adding plenty of savory flavor. It's also a great recipe for using leftover holiday ham if you happen to have some in the freezer. Once everything is combined, it's finished with another layer of sharp cheddar cheese that melts into a gooey, cheesy topping no one can resist.
This is one of those comfort food recipes that's filling enough to stand on its own, but it's also delicious served with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, green beans, or warm dinner rolls. Leftovers are just as good the next day, making this a great meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
2 to 3 tablespoons butter
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes
1 (10 ounce) bag frozen diced onions
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 can heavy whipping cream (use the empty soup can to measure)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound diced ham
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the frozen diced potatoes and frozen onions. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to brown and the onions have softened.
While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, heavy whipping cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.
Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it has completely melted into the potatoes.
Pour the soup mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the potatoes.
Add the diced ham and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Skillet is the kind of meal that proves comfort food doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. It's rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients that the whole family will love. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a way to use leftover ham, or simply a cozy meal that everyone will happily clean their plates for, this skillet is one you'll find yourself making again and again.
