Got leftover holiday ham sitting in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste—turn it into a brand-new family favorite with this ham and tater tot casserole. It’s cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around the dinner table. Honestly, I sometimes look forward to this more than the holiday meal itself!
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights. I love prepping it while cleaning up from dinner—then the next day, all I have to do is pop it in the oven. No fuss, no mess, and a warm, filling meal that’s ready to go. The kids are always thrilled with the golden tater tots on top, while I’m happy knowing those leftovers found a delicious second life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for leftovers – A creative way to use up leftover ham.
- Family-friendly – Kids love the crispy tots and melty cheese.
- Minimal prep – Just mix, layer, and bake—no fancy cooking needed.
- Budget-friendly – Stretch simple, affordable ingredients into a full meal.
What Kind of Ham to Use
Leftover baked ham is perfect, but you can also grab ham steaks or pre-diced ham from the store. Aim for cubes about the size of a sugar cube—big enough for flavor, but not overwhelming. Avoid thin deli slices, which don’t hold up well in this dish.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Tater tots → Try hash browns or crispy crowns.
- Cream of chicken soup → Use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or a quick homemade white sauce.
- Ham → Diced turkey, chicken, or cooked sausage also work well.
- Cheese → Mix things up with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
- Onions → Sub in green onions, dried minced onion, or onion powder.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the tots – A single layer ensures a crispy, golden topping.
- Let tots thaw slightly – 10–15 minutes at room temp helps them cook evenly.
- Spread evenly – Distribute ham, cheese, and soup mixture so every bite is flavorful.
- Rest before serving – Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but lighter sides pair beautifully. Try:
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Bake at 350°F (covered) until hot, or microwave single portions.
Ham and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen tater tots
- 26 oz cream of chicken soup (or substitute)
- 1 pound diced ham
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Mix Base: In a large bowl, stir together soup, ham, onion, 1 cup cheese, and 1 pound of tater tots.
- Assemble: Spread mixture in a greased casserole dish.
- Top: Arrange remaining tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cook at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
This cozy casserole is everything you love about holiday leftovers—reinvented into a warm, cheesy, and family-approved dinner.