Ham and Cheese Baked Potatoes with Tomatoes

These ham and cheese baked potatoes with tomatoes are the kind of meal you make when you need something warm, filling and easy. You simply boil whole potatoes, top them with sliced ham, juicy tomato and a generous layer of cheese, then finish everything in the oven until melted and fragrant. Serve them as a simple main dish or as a satisfying side for meat or salad.

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly and boil them in their skins until a fork goes in easily but they are still firm and not falling apart. Let them cool slightly, then cut each potato in half lengthwise.
• Slice the cheese and ham into medium-thick slices, and cut the tomato into thin round slices.
• Prepare pieces of aluminum foil for each potato half. Place one potato half, cut side up, on each piece of foil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• On top of each potato half, place a slice of ham, a few slices of tomato, then the cheese. Make sure the toppings sit firmly so they do not slide off while baking.
• Wrap each potato half tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the edges well. Arrange the wrapped potatoes on a baking tray and place the tray in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 7–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the ham is heated through.
• Remove the tray from the oven and carefully open the foil. Transfer the potatoes to plates, sprinkle with chopped herbs, and serve immediately as a main dish or a hearty side.

What You Need for These Baked Potatoes

For this recipe you only need basic ingredients: potatoes, cooked ham, a semi‑hard yellow cheese, one tomato, simple seasonings and herbs. Everything comes together quickly, so it is perfect when you want a comforting meal without a long shopping list.

Best Potatoes to Use

Medium starchy potatoes work best because they cook evenly and hold their shape after boiling and baking. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they finish cooking at the same time and are easy to portion.

Choosing the Right Cheese

A good melting cheese is key for that appetizing layer on top, so use a mild yellow cheese that melts smoothly.

Type of Ham That Works Well

Cooked ham is ideal here because it warms up quickly and adds a savory, smoky note to the potatoes. Slice it medium‑thick so it does not dry out in the oven and you still get a satisfying bite in every forkful.

How to Prep the Potatoes

Boil the potatoes in their skins until they are just tender, then let them cool enough to handle before cutting them in half. This method keeps the flesh creamy on the inside while making it easy to season and top the cut surface.

Assembling the Layers

Build simple but flavorful layers by adding ham, tomato slices and cheese on top of each potato half. Press the topping gently so it stays in place, which helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps everything neat when serving.​​

Baking in Foil

Wrapping each potato half in foil traps the heat and steam, helping the cheese melt quickly and the ham warm through. It also makes cleanup easier, since any melted cheese or juices stay inside the foil packets instead of burning onto the tray.

How to Serve and Store

Serve the potatoes hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs, as a main course with a salad or as a hearty side dish. Leftovers can be cooled, stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven until the cheese melts again.

FAQ

Can I bake the potatoes entirely in the oven instead of boiling first?

Yes, you can bake whole potatoes until tender, then cut them, add the toppings and bake again briefly, but the total cooking time will be longer than boiling first.

Can I replace the ham with another meat?

You can swap the ham for cooked bacon, sausage slices or leftover roasted meat, adjusting the seasoning if the meat is already very salty.

 What herbs taste good on top of these potatoes?

Parsley, oregano, basil or a simple Italian herb mix all add freshness and aroma without overpowering the flavors of the ham and cheese.