The Art of Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole Perfection

Perfect Creamy Sauce Creation

Master the technique of blending cream soups and dairy for smooth, rich casserole base.

Ham and Vegetable Layer Excellence

Learn the skill of distributing ham and vegetables evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.

Cheese Layering Perfection

Perfect the method of layering cheese for maximum meltability and gooey texture throughout.

Tater Tot Arrangement Mastery

Master the art of arranging tater tots in single layer for optimal crispiness and coverage.

Baking Temperature Control

Learn precise baking technique for bubbling interior and perfectly crispy golden top.

Casserole Perfection Secrets for Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Combination

Ham Preparation: Use leftover holiday ham or deli ham - either works perfectly for this recipe.

Tater Tot Crispiness: Don't overlap tater tots - single layer ensures maximum crispiness on top.

Make Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, add tater tots just before baking.

Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses like Colby Jack or Swiss for unique flavor variations.

Vegetable Options: Customize with your favorite vegetables - peas, green beans, or broccoli work great.

Freezer Friendly: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 3 months, thaw overnight before baking.

Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Melted Cheese and Crispy Golden Topping

Name: Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Melted Cheese and Crispy Golden Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Ham Base:; 3 cups cooked ham, diced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Creamy Sauce:; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; For the Vegetable Layer:; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables; 1 cup frozen corn; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Cheese Layers:; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; For the Tater Tot Topping:; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); For the Fresh Garnish:

The ultimate ham and tater tot casserole featuring tender leftover ham, crispy golden tater tots, and layers of melted cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This crowd-pleasing comfort food masterpiece combines the savory richness of ham with the irresistible crunch of tater tots and gooey melted cheese, creating an unforgettable casserole experience that transforms leftover ham into an extraordinary family dinner perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and cheesy comfort food flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Ham Base:

3 cups cooked ham, diced

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup whole milk

For the Vegetable Layer:

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 cup frozen corn

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Layers:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Tater Tot Topping:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Fresh Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Creamy Addition:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping Enhancement:

1/2 cup crispy fried onions

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Aluminum foil

Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Dice leftover ham into bite-sized cubes for even distribution.

Sauté diced onion in butter over medium heat until softened and translucent.

In large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.

Add milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to soup mixture and whisk smooth.

Fold in softened cream cheese and heavy cream until well incorporated.

Stir in diced ham, sautéed onions, and frozen vegetables until evenly mixed.

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to ham mixture and stir to combine.

Pour ham and vegetable mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over ham layer.

Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer covering entire casserole surface.

Brush tater tots with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika and garlic powder.

Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

Bake covered for 30 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbling.

Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until tater tots are golden.

Increase oven temperature to 400°F for last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over tater tots during final 5 minutes of baking.

Add crispy fried onions on top if desired during last 3 minutes.

Remove from oven when tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted throughout.

Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and chives before serving.

Cut into generous squares and serve hot from the baking dish.

Season individual servings with additional black pepper if desired.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat portions in oven at 350°F for best texture retention.

Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Melted Cheese and Crispy Golden Topping

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Melted Cheese and Crispy Golden Topping

Ingredients

Instructions