There are some meals that just feel like home, and this Creamy Ham and Potatoes is one of them. Tender skillet-fried potatoes, savory ham, sweet onions, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce come together in one comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or hearty weekend suppers.
This recipe is a wonderful way to turn simple ingredients into a satisfying family meal. The potatoes become perfectly tender while the ham adds smoky, salty flavor throughout. The buttermilk cheese sauce creates a creamy finish that coats every bite with delicious cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup.
- Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Great way to use leftover ham or deli ham.
- Comfort food that’s filling and budget-friendly.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
A Farmhouse Favorite
Growing up, meals built around potatoes were a regular part of family dinners. Potatoes were affordable, filling, and always available in the pantry. Adding ham and a creamy sauce transformed a humble ingredient into a meal everyone looked forward to.
This skillet version skips the long baking time of traditional scalloped potatoes while still delivering plenty of rich flavor. The combination of buttermilk and cheese creates a tangy, creamy sauce that complements the potatoes beautifully.
Creamy Ham and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
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Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Pounds Potatoes peeled, halved and sliced thin
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Medium Onions Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Pound Honey Ham Lunch Meat cut into bite-size pieces
- 10.5 Ounces Cheese Soup 1 can
- 10.5 Ounces Buttermilk
- ½ Cup Queso Dip I used a mild flavor
- 4 Tablespoons Butter ½ stick
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced potatoes and cover with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes.3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 3 Pounds Potatoes
- Using a spatula, turn the potatoes over. Season with the salt and black pepper. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Turn the potatoes again and add the onions and ham pieces. Cover and cook for 3 minutes more.2 Medium Onions, 1 Pound Honey Ham Lunch Meat
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheese soup, buttermilk, and queso dip until smooth.10.5 Ounces Cheese Soup, 10.5 Ounces Buttermilk, ½ Cup Queso Dip
- Pour the cheese mixture over the potatoes, onions, and ham. Reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Slice the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and distribute over the top of the mixture.4 Tablespoons Butter
- Cover and cook until the butter melts and the sauce is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Ingredient Notes
This recipe serves 4 as a hearty main dish or up to 6 when served alongside other dishes. Potatoes Russet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe because they become tender and absorb the creamy sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice and provide a buttery flavor. Honey Ham Using honey ham lunch meat makes preparation quick and easy. Leftover baked ham from a holiday meal works just as well and adds even more homemade flavor. Buttermilk The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. It helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce that isn’t overly heavy. Because buttermilk is acidic, it can sometimes curdle if heated too aggressively. Keeping the heat on low when adding the buttermilk and cheese should prevent any issues. If you happen to notice the sauce getting a little thick, adding an extra ¼ to ½ cup of buttermilk or milk will loosen it nicely. Cheese Soup and Queso These ingredients combine to make a creamy, cheesy sauce without requiring a traditional roux. Mild queso keeps the flavors family-friendly, but you can easily use a spicier variety if desired.Tips for Success
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Keep the lid on the skillet while cooking to help the potatoes soften more quickly.
- Stir gently when combining the sauce to avoid breaking apart the potatoes.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of additional buttermilk before serving.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make It Spicy
Use hot queso dip or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Extra Cheesy
Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese over the top before serving.
Use Leftover Ham
This recipe is a great way to repurpose holiday ham into a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
What to Serve with Ham and Potatoes
This hearty dish works well as a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs nicely with:
- Fresh garden salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Buttered sweet corn
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of buttermilk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I use uncooked ham?
No. This recipe is designed for fully cooked ham. If using uncooked ham, cook it completely before adding it to the skillet with the potatoes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, adding a little extra buttermilk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
You can, but the sauce will lose some of its signature tangy flavor. For a closer substitute, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are both excellent choices for this recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Because of the dairy-based sauce, freezing may affect the texture. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Ham and Potatoes with Buttermilk Cheese Sauce
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting supper to share with family, this one-pan meal delivers hearty, homemade flavor with very little fuss. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, sweet onions, and creamy cheese sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
It’s one of those simple farmhouse-style recipes that makes the most of everyday ingredients. Keep it as written or make it your own with extra vegetables, different cheeses, or leftover holiday ham. However you serve it, this skillet dinner is sure to become a regular favorite around the family table.
