Description
This Ham & Potato Casserole is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish combining thinly sliced potatoes, diced ham, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners, it is easy to prepare, customizable with various cheeses, herbs, and vegetables, and features a rich, flavorful sauce that binds all ingredients together in a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or your preferred cheese blend)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup sour cream (or 1 can cream soup of choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 cups milk or cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Variations
- 1 cup chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms (for vegetable boost)
- Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives (for herbal freshness)
- Dairy-free cheese and coconut cream (for dairy-free option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and absorb the sauce well.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk or cream while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to combine a rich, smooth base.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a casserole dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly, then spread a generous layer of diced ham, chopped onions, and shredded cheese. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, ham, onions, cheese, and sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to brown the cheese topping and form a delicious crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and meld together, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices that cook evenly.
- Bake at a moderate temperature to soften potatoes without drying out the dish.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to improve texture and flavor melding.
- Choose good-quality, fully cooked ham for best taste.
- Mix different cheeses for a richer and more complex flavor profile.
- Cover casserole while baking to prevent drying out.
- Adjust ingredients and seasonings to accommodate dietary needs or preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg