Description
Hearty ham and potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy cheese sauce with savory ham chunks. Layers of golden potatoes and melted cheddar promise delicious warmth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720 ml) russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
- 2 cups (480 ml) cooked ham (diced)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of fat to prevent sticking, then configure the oven temperature to 375F (190C).
- Craft the foundational cream sauce by gently melting dairy fat in a medium saucepan, introducing finely diced aromatics and allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Incorporate flour into the sautéed vegetables, creating a golden roux that will serve as the thickening agent for the silky sauce.
- Gradually introduce dairy liquids, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and create a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Remove the sauce from heat and integrate shredded cheese varieties, stirring until they melt completely and blend seamlessly with the creamy base.
- Layer the casserole by creating alternating strata of thinly sliced potatoes and diced protein, ensuring even distribution of each component.
- Cascade the prepared cheese sauce over the layered ingredients, allowing it to penetrate and coat every morsel.
- Embellish the surface with an additional sprinkle of cheese and optional breadcrumb topping for a crisp, golden exterior.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to preserve moisture and promote even cooking.
- Unveil the dish during the final cooking phase to encourage caramelization and develop a crisp, appetizing crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly after emerging from the oven, which helps the layers settle and makes serving more manageable.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish to the comforting dish.
Notes
- Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-rich twist that adds vibrant color and extra vitamins to the dish.
- Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the creamy texture and delicious flavor.
- Reduce the cheese and cream for a lighter version by substituting half with low-fat milk and using reduced-fat cheese varieties, which cuts calories while maintaining the casserole’s comforting essence.
- Boost protein content by adding cooked diced chicken or turkey alongside ham, creating a more substantial and versatile one-dish meal that works for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg