Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Potato Fry-Up

A simple and comforting dish combines savory ham with crispy potatoes, all caramelized in a sweet brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, it’s quick to make and full of delicious flavors.

★★★★★5(8 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 15 min

Cook Time 50 min

Total Time 1 hr 5 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/8

1 tablespoon butter 1 pound cooked ham, cut into strips 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ¼ cup chopped onion ½ teaspoon salt 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes 1 cup bite-size carrot pieces

Why This Recipe Is So Enjoyable

This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The brown sugar adds a rich caramelized touch to the ham, while the potatoes provide a crispy and comforting base. It’s easy to make and satisfying for any meal of the day.

Cooking Tips

- Use medium heat to cook the potatoes slowly so they become crispy without burning.
- Stir the ham and potatoes occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the ham and sprinkle the brown sugar over it. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ham gets nicely browned—this should take about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take the ham out and set it aside, but keep all those flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 2

Stir the cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, water, chopped onion, salt, and pepper right into the drippings. Add the potato slices and carrot pieces, then cover the skillet. Turn the heat down to low and let everything simmer gently until the potatoes and carrots are tender, which will take around 35 minutes.

Step 3

Finally, add the ham back into the skillet and cook it all together for another 10 minutes or so, just until the ham is warmed through. Then you’re ready to dig in!

Serving Ideas For Every Meal

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add color and freshness. A dollop of mustard or a simple fried egg on top can also complement the flavors nicely. This dish pairs well with a warm slice of crusty bread.

Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to keep the potatoes crispy. Avoid freezing as the texture of the potatoes may change.

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people cooked this recipe

By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.