🍖🥔🧀 Slow Cooker Cheddar Ham & Potato Packets
FULL RECIPE – NO IMAGE
Tender yellow potatoes, savory chunks of fully cooked ham, sweet onions, and rich melted cheddar cheese come together in individual foil packets with buttery, seasoned cooking juices. Every bite is warm, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting! This easy slow cooker dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal with minimal prep and cleanup. 🤤🧡
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes 🔥 Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW 🍽️ Servings: 4 🍲 Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crock-Pot 🌡️ Internal Temperature: 165°F (74°C)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) yellow potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin ⅛-inch rounds
- 1 lb (450 g) fully cooked ham, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, divided into 4 pieces
- 1 cup (113 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large sheets heavy-duty aluminum foil
Optional Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- A small pinch of salt, if needed
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Foil Packets
Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12–14 inches long. Lay them flat on your work surface. Lightly spray the center of each sheet with cooking spray if desired to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes and Onions
Peel the yellow potatoes and slice them into thin, evenly sized ⅛-inch rounds. Divide the potato slices evenly between the four foil sheets, arranging them in shallow, slightly overlapping layers.
Add the thinly sliced yellow onion over the potatoes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried parsley if using.
3. Add the Ham
Cut the fully cooked ham into evenly sized bite-sized cubes. Divide the ham equally among the four packets, spreading it over the potatoes and onions so every serving gets plenty of ham.
4. Add the Butter and Chicken Broth
Pour 1 tablespoon of low-sodium chicken broth into each packet. Place one tablespoon of unsalted butter on top of each portion.
The broth and butter will create delicious, golden cooking juices as the potatoes soften and the ham warms.
5. Add the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle approximately ¼ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over each packet.
For the best cheesy flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar. It melts beautifully and coats the ham and potatoes with rich, savory goodness.
6. Seal the Foil Packets
Bring the long sides of each foil sheet together and fold them securely. Fold the remaining ends tightly to create individual sealed packets.
Leave a little space inside each packet for steam circulation, making sure the cooking juices remain contained.
7. Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the four foil packets upright inside a 6-quart slow cooker, with the seams facing upward.
Arrange them carefully without crushing the packets. Make sure the slow cooker lid closes completely.
8. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours.
Begin checking around the 3-hour mark because cooking times vary depending on potato thickness, packet arrangement, and slow cooker model.
The potatoes should be completely fork-tender, and the center of each packet should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Open and Serve
Carefully remove the foil packets using tongs. Place each packet on an individual serving plate.
Slowly open the foil, keeping your hands and face away from the escaping hot steam.
Spoon the delicious buttery juices over the potatoes and ham. The cheddar should be beautifully melted, creating a rich, cheesy coating.
Serve immediately while hot!
💡 Tips for the Best Cheddar Ham & Potato Packets
- Slice evenly: Keep potato slices approximately ⅛ inch thick so they cook evenly.
- Use yellow potatoes: Yukon Gold or similar yellow potatoes provide a naturally buttery texture.
- Choose sharp cheddar: It gives the dish a stronger, richer cheese flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Keep the potato layers shallow for more consistent cooking.
- Keep the juices inside: Seal the foil packets carefully to preserve moisture.
- Check doneness: Cooking times vary, so always check the potatoes for tenderness and the center for a safe temperature.
- Add extra cheese: Sprinkle a little additional cheddar over the packets just before serving.
- Fresh finishing touch: Add chopped parsley or green onions for extra color and flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve with These Packets
These hearty foil packets are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted green beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Buttered corn
- Garlic dinner rolls
- Creamy coleslaw
- Southern-style green beans
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover ham and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through to 165°F.
❤️ Why Your Family Will Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Individual foil packets make serving incredibly easy.
- Tender potatoes with savory, juicy ham.
- Rich butter and melted sharp cheddar in every bite.
- Minimal preparation and easy cleanup.
- Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
One packet, a handful of simple ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest! 🍖🥔🧀
📌 Let’s Talk Dinner!
Would you add extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, or a little ranch seasoning to these Slow Cooker Cheddar Ham & Potato Packets?
Tell me your favorite addition in the comments! 👇