If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your next family dinner, look no further than Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes. This dish combines everything we love about comfort food: creamy cheese, savory ham, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes. The result? A mouthwatering, indulgent side dish that everyone will adore.

Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, a hearty steak, or even at a holiday gathering, these Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are sure to impress. The layers of cheese melt perfectly over the potatoes, while the ham and bacon add a salty, smoky punch that elevates this dish to the next level. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

In this recipe, we bake potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce with chunks of ham and crispy bacon bits. The result is a cheesy, savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

What Makes This Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes Special?

Savory flavor bomb: The combination of ham and bacon brings a smoky, savory depth to the dish, making each bite irresistible.
Perfectly creamy: A blend of creamy cheese and potatoes creates the ideal texture—rich and comforting but not too heavy.
Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have this dish ready in no time, making it a perfect weeknight meal or party favorite.
Customizable: Whether you add extra cheese, more bacon, or some spices, this recipe can be easily modified to suit your tastes.
A crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or get-togethers, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy a crowd. Plus, it’s easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need for these Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes:

Potatoes: The star of the dish! Russet potatoes work best because they hold up well to baking and absorb the cheesy sauce beautifully. You can also use Yukon gold for a creamier texture.
Ham: Choose cooked, diced ham for convenience. If you prefer, you can use leftover ham or buy pre-cooked ham steaks.
Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles add the perfect crunch and smokiness. If you’re in a pinch, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the potatoes a robust flavor, but feel free to use a milder cheese or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the dish.
Butter & Heavy cream: The base for the cheesy sauce, ensuring the potatoes bake into a luscious, creamy dish.

Substitutions:

Cheese: You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavors.
Ham: If you don’t have ham, substitute with cooked chicken or even sausage for a different twist.
Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, though the texture won’t be as rich.

How to Make Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

Follow these easy steps to create the ultimate Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into pieces. Set aside.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water for about 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet you used for the bacon, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the sour cream, followed by 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble the dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, diced ham, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve and enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for added color and flavor (optional).

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store leftover Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While this dish is best fresh, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely before placing in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based bacon to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken or ground sausage for a more hearty, one-pan meal.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for extra flavor depth.
Vegetable Mix: Add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to sneak in some veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Frozen potatoes can work, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Any cooked ham will work, but pre-cooked deli ham or leftover holiday ham are especially convenient.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Allow the dish to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?
Be sure to boil the potatoes just until they’re fork-tender, not overcooked, as they will continue cooking while baking in the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

These Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering creamy, cheesy goodness with savory ham and crispy bacon in every bite. This dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table, whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or serving it at a special gathering. Try it today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

Ham & Bacon Cheesy Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup diced ham
6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream
3 tbsp butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Boil cubed potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
Make cheese sauce by melting butter, adding heavy cream, sour cream, and 2 cups of cheese.
Combine potatoes, ham, bacon, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g