Description
Hearty Midwestern ham and potato casserole brings pure comfort to dinner tables with its creamy layers of savory goodness. Cheese-topped and golden-brown, you’ll savor each satisfying bite of this classic family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasoning and Topping:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of butter or nonstick spray. Heat the oven to a robust 375F (190C), ensuring a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Craft the luxurious cheese sauce by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan. Introduce diced onions and allow them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring until fragrant. Dust the mixture with flour, continuously whisking to create a golden roux. Gradually stream in milk and heavy cream, watching the sauce transform and thicken. Remove from heat and fold in a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until silky smooth.
- Layer the casserole foundation by creating an even spread of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared dish. Distribute a generous portion of diced ham over the potatoes. Pour half the cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce.
- Enhance the casserole’s visual and textural appeal by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese across the surface. For added crunch, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the top.
- Protect the developing dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil to allow the surface to golden and crisp for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, transforming the dish into a vibrant, inviting meal ready to be savored.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, hearty results.
- Use leftover holiday ham or thick-cut deli ham for maximum flavor and convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cheese varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg