Description
Hearty ham and potato casserole brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every creamy, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an optimal environment for the casserole.
- Sauce Creation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent, developing a rich aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
- Roux Formation: Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring to create a golden thickening agent that will provide structure to the sauce.
- Liquid Integration: Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
- Cheese Infusion: Remove from heat and fold in cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Layering: Construct alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
- Sauce Application: Pour the decadent cheese sauce over the layered ingredients, allowing it to permeate and coat every element of the casserole.
- Topping and Baking: Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs on top, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing the foil during the final 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and intensify in flavor, then garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note.
Notes
- Prevent Potato Discoloration: Submerge sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to stop enzymatic browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust roux consistency by gradually adding milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve desired creamy texture.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to elevate the casserole’s taste profile.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free flour for a more inclusive recipe that accommodates various dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg