Next, I layer the potatoes, carrots, and ham in the crockpot. I love how vibrant the colors look in the pot! Once I have everything in there, I pour the creamy mixture over the top, giving it a gentle stir to ensure everything is coated. Now comes the best part—I cover the crockpot and set it on low for about 6-8 hours. There’s something so satisfying about setting and forgetting my meal, knowing that I’ll come back to a deliciously cooked dinner.
As the day goes on, I can’t help but check in every so often, thanks to the delightful aroma. When it’s almost time to eat, I take a peek and stir the mixture gently to incorporate all the flavors even more. To finish things off, I sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that extra pop of color and freshness. It adds the perfect visual appeal, making it feel like a gourmet dish right in my own home!
When I serve this dish, the creaminess and tenderness of the ham and potatoes create an irresistible combination. Everyone reaches for seconds, and the smiles on their faces say it all. There’s truly nothing quite like enjoying a warm homemade meal together as a family.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of the key tips I discovered while testing this recipe three ways is to use leftover ham. The more flavor your ham has, the more depth you’ll get in this dish. Leftover holiday ham, in particular, adds a wonderful smokiness that elevates the whole meal.
Another pro tip I highly recommend is to slice your potatoes into uniform sizes. For me, this means dicing them into about 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb that creamy sauce perfectly. Trust me; no one wants a crunchy potato in the middle of this creamy dish!
Lastly, if you’re looking for a bit of a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It adds layers to the dish that I absolutely love, transforming a simple meal into something really special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When I first made this dish, I underestimated how much moisture the potatoes would release while cooking. Initially, I used less liquid than recommended, thinking it would be creamy enough with just the soup. Big mistake! The dish turned out much thicker than I intended. Now I always make sure to follow the liquid ratios for that perfect texture. (See the next page below to continue…)