🥔 Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes (FoodieMoms Original)

There’s something truly heartwarming about the aroma of a creamy, savory meal simmering all day — and Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is the epitome of cozy comfort food.

This classic family-friendly recipe transforms simple pantry staples — tender potatoes, diced ham, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese — into a hearty one-pot meal that practically cooks itself.

Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or using up leftover holiday ham, this dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfyingly easy.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Effortless prep — the slow cooker does the work!
• ✅ Perfect use for leftover ham
• ✅ Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting
• ✅ Family-approved and freezer-friendly
• ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients

This recipe delivers that old-fashioned homestyle flavor you crave — rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, with melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and smoky ham in every bite.

🧺 Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on ham saltiness)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for flavor and color)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker.
Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Layer the ingredients.
Spread half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half of the ham, onions, garlic, and cheese. Repeat the layers.

3. Make the creamy sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour until smooth. Add milk, cream, pepper, salt, thyme, and paprika. Stir until combined.

4. Pour and cook.
Pour the sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

5. Finish with cheese.
During the last 10–15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let melt.

6. Serve and garnish.
Stir gently, scoop into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy slow cooker ham and potatoes — the ultimate comfort food for busy days and leftover ham.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

• 6 medium potatoes peeled and sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham cubed
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme optional
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Grease the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
2. Layer half of the potatoes, ham, onions, garlic, and cheese, then repeat.
3. Whisk butter and flour; add milk, cream, and seasonings to make sauce.
4. Pour sauce over ingredients in slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
6. Sprinkle with cheese during last 15 minutes; cover to melt.
7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream before serving.

🍽️ FoodieMoms Tips

1. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the creamiest texture.
2. Avoid over-salting — ham varies in saltiness, so taste before adding more.
3. Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons milk and stir in halfway through cooking.
4. For extra richness: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese near the end.
5. Crispy topping option: Transfer to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes before serving.

🕰️ Slow Cooker Cooking Tips

• Low & slow wins: Cooking on low develops the best flavor and creaminess.
• Layer carefully: Potatoes on the bottom ensure even cooking.
• No peeking! Lifting the lid too often releases heat and slows cooking time.
• Keep it simple: This dish works beautifully as a full meal or side.

🧀 Variations

• Ham and Potato Casserole (Oven Method): Assemble in a 9×13 dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes.
• Add veggies: Toss in peas, carrots, or green beans for color and balance.
• Cheesy Ranch Twist: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning and use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Loaded Potato Style: Top with sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
• Creamy Dijon Upgrade: Whisk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the sauce for tangy depth.

🍲 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Serve as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or pork chops.
• Enjoy leftovers for breakfast topped with a fried egg!
• Freeze in portions for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.

🧊 Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven (covered) until hot.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

🧠 Fun Facts

• The concept of slow cooking dates back to the early 1900s, but the modern slow cooker — or “Crock-Pot” — became popular in the 1970s as a convenient way to make hearty meals while working all day.
• Ham and potatoes are a classic pairing in both European and American comfort food traditions, offering the perfect balance of salty, savory, and creamy.
• This dish is also an excellent way to use up leftover Easter or holiday ham, making it both delicious and practical.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes recipe combines homestyle flavor with modern convenience. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, soul-soothing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

No need to fuss over the stove — just layer, pour, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of slow-cooked comfort.

Perfect for cold nights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, it’s a FoodieMoms favorite because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort — and always earns second helpings.

🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Calcium: 18% DV
• Iron: 8% DV