Ingredients
- Potatoes: diced for hearty bites and structure choose waxy potatoes for best texture
- Yellow onion: for subtle sweetness and depth pick one that feels heavy and firm for best flavor
- Cream of chicken soup: forms a creamy base and brings all the flavors together look for a version with fewer additives if possible
- Cheddar cheese soup: amps up the cheesiness and makes every bite rich choose a sharp cheddar style soup if you can find it
- Diced ham: adds smoky saltiness use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor
- Sour cream: makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy buy full-fat for the best result
- Shredded cheddar cheese: creates that perfect melty topping grate your own from a block to maximize meltiness
- Salt and black pepper: to balance flavors taste and adjust before baking for seasoning perfection
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes and Onion:
- Dice potatoes into bite-size pieces and chop half of a yellow onion finely. A uniform cut will make sure everything cooks evenly and feels great in every bite.
- Mix the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl combine potatoes onion cream of chicken soup cheddar cheese soup sour cream and diced ham. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated and distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon the mixture into a seven by thirteen inch baking dish. Press gently to create an even layer. You want all the potatoes nestled into the creamy base.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. A generous layer will mean every portion has a melty cheesy lid. Do not skimp here.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven. Bake for forty five to fifty five minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes so it thickens slightly before you scoop out hearty portions. This helps set the casserole and makes serving easier.