Description
Midwestern ham and potato casserole delivers comfort with creamy layers of sliced potatoes and savory ham. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings. Generous helpings will warm your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced or sliced thin)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation Ritual: Liberally coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or nonstick spray. Ignite the oven to a steady 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Sauce Symphony: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic and create a golden roux by whisking in flour. Gradually incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until achieving a velvety consistency.
- Layering Technique: Construct alternating strata of sliced potatoes and diced ham, generously dousing each layer with the luscious cheese sauce. Repeat the layering process, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor integration.
- Textural Elevation: Crown the casserole with a generous sprinkle of remaining cheddar cheese. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and disperse across the surface for a crisp, golden finish.
- Baking Journey: Drape the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, crispy landscape. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removal from the oven.
- Final Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and enticing culinary masterpiece ready for consumption.
Notes
- Optimize Potato Slicing: Cut potatoes uniformly (1/4-inch thick) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before layering.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality, smoked ham for a richer taste profile and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to complement the meat’s natural smokiness.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg