The Heartwarming Story of a Classic Comfort Dish
Slow cooker meals are more than just convenient—they’re a testament to the magic of home cooking. This Ham and Potatoes recipe is a beloved classic that brings together the smoky richness of ham, the creamy comfort of potatoes, and the nostalgic warmth of a home-cooked meal. Passed down through generations, this dish represents the essence of family cooking: simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.
Originating from traditional American home cooking, this slow cooker recipe is a perfect example of how modest ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with mouth-watering aromas and brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Ingredients (European Metric)
- 6-8 plakjes ham, gehakt
- 4-5 middelgrote aardappelen, geschild en in plakjes gesneden
- 1 middelgrote ui, gehakt
- 225 g geraspte kaas (cheddar werkt geweldig!)
- 1 blik champignonsoep (onverdund)
- Zout en peper naar smaak
- Water indien nodig (optioneel)
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low setting) Total Time: 6-8 hours Servings: 4-6 personen
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and slice potatoes into thin, even rounds
- Chop ham into bite-sized pieces
- Finely dice the onion
- Grate the cheese if not pre-shredded
- Layer the Slow Cooker
- Grease the slow cooker insert
- Create a base layer of sliced potatoes
- Sprinkle chopped ham over the potatoes
- Add a layer of chopped onions
- Spread cream of mushroom soup evenly
- Season with salt and pepper
- Add Cheese and Liquid
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the layers
- If mixture seems dry, add 60-120 ml of water
- Gently stir to combine ingredients
- Slow Cooking
- Cover and set slow cooker to low setting
- Cook for 6-8 hours
- Potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork
- Cheese should be melted and bubbly
- Final Touches
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet for best texture
- Cut potatoes to uniform thickness for even cooking
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker—leave some space for even heat distribution
- Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent temperature
- For a crispy top, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives
- Bacon instead of ham
- Cooked chicken
- Vegetarian meat substitutes
- Cheese Options
- Gouda
- Emmental
- Mozzarella
- Lactose-free cheese
- Soup Alternatives
- Cream of chicken soup
- Homemade white sauce
- Vegetable cream soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes! Prep ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator.
Q2: Is this dish freezer-friendly? Absolutely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: How can I make it healthier? Use low-fat cheese, lean ham, and low-sodium soup.
Q4: Can I cook this in the oven instead? Yes, bake at 175°C for 1-1.5 hours, covered with foil.
Q5: What side dishes pair well? Green salad, steamed vegetables, crusty bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days
- Reheat gently in microwave or oven
- For best texture, consume within 2 days
- Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes—a true comfort food that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite!