This skillet-style 4-ingredient ham dalton is the kind of practical, old-fashioned supper that earned a regular place on family tables because it is filling, inexpensive, and easy to scale for a crowd. Built around ham, a creamy base, and plenty of melted cheese, it lands somewhere between a casserole and a hot skillet dip, with a rich interior and a browned, savory top that makes it especially comforting for potlucks, casual company, or a weeknight meal when you need something hearty without a long ingredient list.
Serve this with a simple green salad, buttered green beans, or sliced tomatoes to balance the richness, and put out warm biscuits, toasted sandwich bread, or crackers for scooping. If you want to stretch it even further, it also pairs nicely with roasted potatoes or a pan of cornbread, and the leftovers make a satisfying next-day lunch.
Skillet 4-Ingredient Ham Dalton
Servings: 8
Ingredients
4 cups diced ham
4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, thawed hash browns, condensed soup, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared skillet and spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and lightly browned on top.
5. Let the skillet rest for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping and serving.
Variations & Tips
Use a different soup base: Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work well here if that is what you have in the pantry. The overall texture stays creamy, but each one changes the flavor slightly.
Add a little seasoning: If your ham is mild, a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or dry mustard can wake up the mixture without turning this into a longer ingredient list. Taste your ham first, since some varieties are already quite salty.
Make it extra cheesy: For a richer top, add a little more cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking. You can also mix in part Monterey Jack for a softer melt.
Brown the top more deeply: If you like crisp edges and deeper color, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the cheese does not scorch.
Prep ahead: You can assemble the skillet several hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate it until baking time. If it goes into the oven cold, add a few extra minutes so the center heats through completely.