Weight Watchers Crock Pot Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin: Comfort Food, Guilt-Free

My grandmother, bless her heart, was a queen of comfort food. Every Sunday, her tiny kitchen would be filled with the aroma of simmering goodness, usually involving potatoes, cheese, and some kind of smoky meat. While I adored her rich creations, they weren’t exactly waistline-friendly. This Weight Watchers Crock Pot Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin brings back those cozy memories, but with a lighter, healthier twist. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy those cravings without sacrificing your goals – all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Reduced Fat

Ingredients

• 2 cups lean ham, diced
• 4 cups potatoes, diced raw
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• ¾ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can Healthy Request cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Equipment Needed

• Crock-Pot / Slow Cooker

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your crock-pot. Lightly spray the inside with butter-flavored cooking spray. This will prevent the au gratin from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

2. In the crock-pot, combine the diced ham, diced raw potatoes, and chopped onions. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the bottom of the crock-pot.

3. Evenly sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the top of the ham, potato, and onion mixture. This will create a delicious, cheesy layer that melts into the dish as it cooks.

4. In a separate small bowl, combine the Healthy Request cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken), black pepper, dried parsley flakes, and yellow mustard. Whisk together until well combined and smooth.

5. Pour the soup mixture over the potato and cheese layer in the crock-pot.

6. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Make sure the potatoes are coated with the soup mixture and the cheese is distributed throughout.

7. Cover the crock-pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours.

8. After 8 hours, remove the lid and mix the au gratin well before serving. This will help ensure that the potatoes are cooked through and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Potato Choice: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor. Make sure to dice the potatoes into roughly the same size pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Cheese Boost: For an extra cheesy flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in addition to the cheddar.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture.
• Ham Alternatives: If you don’t have ham, you can substitute cooked turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or even leftover cooked chicken.
• Soup Swaps: While cream of celery or cream of chicken soup is recommended, cream of mushroom or even a low-sodium cheddar cheese soup can also work well, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Be mindful of potential WW points adjustments with soup variations.
• Preventing Sticking: Ensure the crockpot is well sprayed. You can also use a crockpot liner for super easy cleanup.
• Doneness Test: Potatoes should be fork-tender after the 8-hour cooking time. If they are still firm, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Weight Watchers Crock Pot Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin hot, directly from the crock-pot. It makes a satisfying and comforting meal on its own.

For an attractive presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt can add a cool and tangy contrast to the richness of the au gratin (and keep things Weight Watchers friendly!).

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

While freezing is not recommended due to the potential for texture changes in the potatoes, it can be done. Allow the au gratin to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	152.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	2.4 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	3%
Cholesterol	14 mg	4%
Sodium	546.6 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	20.3 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	1.9 g	N/A
Protein	12.2 g	24%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh. Use plant-based cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup made with almond or soy milk.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the cream of celery or chicken soup is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free varieties.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free cream of mushroom or celery soup alternative.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the crock-pot for added nutrients and flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor profile. Add them along with the parsley flakes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes to save time?

A: While you can use pre-cooked potatoes, the texture may be slightly different. Raw potatoes tend to absorb the flavors of the soup better during the slow cooking process.

Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?

A: It’s not recommended to cook on high, as the potatoes may not cook evenly and the cheese could burn. Low and slow is the key to achieving the best texture and flavor.

Q: My au gratin seems watery. What can I do?

A: If the au gratin is too watery, you can remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the crock-pot and stir well to thicken the sauce.

Q: Can I add different types of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. Just be mindful of the fat content if you’re trying to keep it Weight Watchers friendly.

Q: How can I make this recipe even lower in points?

A: You can use fat-free cream of celery soup, substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower, and use a smaller amount of extra-light cheddar cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Weight Watchers Crock Pot Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or comfort to eat healthily. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual gathering. I encourage you to give it a try and share your feedback! Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and balanced meal, and enjoy the taste of home-cooked goodness without the guilt.