chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

Hearty, creamy, and flavorful, chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes are a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe stands out with its rich combination of chicken ham, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and melty cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a comforting weeknight meal, these cheesy potatoes are sure to please everyone at the table. The delicious layers of flavor make each bite feel like a warm hug!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of chicken ham and Turkey Bacon adds depth to the classic cheesy potato flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, these cheesy potatoes fit right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Non-stick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking dish: Ideal for even cooking and ensures the cheesy potatoes don’t overflow.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easy to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending creamy ingredients without clumps.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 2 lb bag frozen diced potatoes, thawed
• 1 16 oz container sour cream
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 4 Tbs butter, melted
• Salt and pepper, to your preference
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp minced onion

For the Mix-ins

• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced chicken ham
• 1/2 cup crumbled cooked Turkey Bacon
• 1/3 cup green onions

How to Make chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt and pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and minced onion until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, add in:
– The thawed diced potatoes,
– Shredded cheddar cheese,
– Diced chicken ham,
– Crumbled Turkey Bacon,
– Green onions.

Toss everything well so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Spread the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Add More Cheese

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with any remaining shredded cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes!

How to Serve chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

Serving chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. This creamy and hearty dish pairs well with numerous sides or can be enjoyed on its own.

Family Style

• Serve in a large bowl: Allow everyone to help themselves from a big serving bowl for a casual and inviting atmosphere.

With Fresh Salads

• Pair with a crisp green salad: The freshness of greens complements the richness of cheesy potatoes, balancing the meal perfectly.

As a Side Dish

• Accompany grilled meats: This dish makes an excellent side for grilled chicken, steak, or pork, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

At Potlucks

• Bring to gatherings: The hearty nature of this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family gatherings, ensuring there’s enough for everyone.

With Bread

• Serve with crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread can soak up the creamy goodness and make the meal more filling.

How to Perfect chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

To ensure your chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use thawed potatoes: Thawed frozen diced potatoes will cook evenly and absorb flavors better than frozen ones.

• Mix thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to achieve that rich cheesy flavor in every bite.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking; add more salt, pepper, or spices if necessary to enhance the flavor profile.

• Layer the cheese: For an extra cheesy top layer, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on just before finishing baking.

• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – This adds a healthy crunch and bright color to your plate.
2. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a flavorful contrast to the creamy potatoes.
3. Caesar Salad – The tangy dressing complements the richness of cheesy potatoes beautifully.
4. Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their slight bitterness pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish.
6. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds texture and balances out the heaviness of cheesy potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken ham & turkey bacon cheesy potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

• Skipping the thawing step: Always thaw your frozen diced potatoes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the dish.
• Not measuring ingredients: Be precise with your ingredients. Too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the flavor and texture of your cheesy potatoes.
• Omitting seasoning: Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and other seasonings. These are crucial for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cheesy potatoes instead of creamy perfection.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Properly store leftovers to maintain freshness. Using airtight containers will help keep flavors intact longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating chicken ham & Turkey Bacon Cheesy Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chicken ham & turkey bacon cheesy potatoes.

How do I make chicken ham & turkey bacon cheesy potatoes healthier?

You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to make this dish lighter while keeping it delicious.

What can I substitute for chicken ham?

You can use regular ham or even cooked shredded chicken as an alternative if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I make chicken ham & turkey bacon cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything ahead of time, assemble it, and then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor!

Final Thoughts

These chicken ham & turkey bacon cheesy potatoes are not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or seasonings. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them alone, they promise warmth and comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!