Savory Cheesy Potato Cake with Ham and Gruyere Recipe

Potato lovers rejoice over this mouthwatering cheesy potato cake with ham and gruyere that combines crispy edges with a creamy interior.

Rich, golden layers meld together in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Hearty ham chunks nestle between melted gruyere cheese and tender potato slices.

Each bite promises a comforting blend of rustic ingredients that sing with savory goodness.

The recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant dish perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, cheesy center that melts in your mouth.

Prepare to savor every decadent forkful of this irresistible potato creation.

Why Cheesy Potato Cake with Ham and Gruyere Wows Crowds

• This recipe transforms simple potatoes into an incredible multi-layered masterpiece with stunning cheese and ham combinations that make every bite exciting.
• Minimal kitchen skills required – just slice, layer, and bake. Perfect for home cooks wanting to create restaurant-quality dishes without complicated methods.
• Delivers rich, cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves hearty, satisfying meals.
• Easily adaptable recipe allowing personal touches like swapping meats, trying different cheese varieties, or adding herbs to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Cake Success

• Potatoes: Thinly sliced lengthwise potatoes form the core structure of this cheesy cake.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic cheese that provides rich, sharp flavor to the dish.
• Gruyere Cheese: A Swiss cheese that adds a nutty and complex taste to the potato cake.
• Ham: Adds a savory protein element that complements the cheesy potato layers.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth binding liquid for the potato layers.
• Flour: Helps thicken the cream mixture and provides structure.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the cream mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the overall cheese profile with its sharp and salty notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that provides a colorful and flavorful garnish to the potato cake.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover and protect the potato cake during initial baking.

Equipment for Cheesy Potato Cake Prep

• Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for layering and baking the potato cake with even heat distribution.
• Mandolin or Sharp Knife: Perfect for creating thin, uniform potato slices.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing the cream sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend the cream mixture smoothly.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the skillet during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing potatoes.
• Spatula: Helps spread cream mixture evenly over potatoes.
• Fresh Parsley Knife: For chopping garnish.

Steps to Cheesy Potato Cake Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes Perfectly

Grab your mandolin or a razor-sharp knife and create paper-thin potato slices lengthwise with precision.

Step 3: Craft First Potato Base

In a spacious 13-inch cast iron skillet, elegantly arrange potato slices around the pan’s perimeter.

Continue layering slices in a clockwise motion until the entire surface is beautifully covered.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese and Ham Layer

• Cheddar cheese (one-third portion)
• Gruyere cheese (one-third portion)
• Diced ham (half the amount)

Step 5: Create Second Potato Level

Add another round of potato slices, covering both outside and center areas of the skillet.

• Remaining cheddar cheese
• Remaining Gruyere cheese
• Remaining ham pieces

Step 6: Complete Potato Foundation

Arrange a final layer of potato slices across the skillet’s center.

Step 7: Add Cheese Crown

Scatter the remaining cheddar and Gruyere cheese over the top.

Step 8: Initial Baking Session

Cover the skillet with greased aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 9: Temperature Adjustment

Remove skillet and crank up oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Step 10: Prepare Creamy Mixture

• Flour
• Minced garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 11: Incorporate Cream

Slowly whisk cream into the dry ingredients until smooth and fully blended.

Step 12: Pour Cream Mixture

Uncover skillet and evenly distribute cream mixture over potato layers.

Step 13: Final Baking Stage

Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 14: Allow Cooling

Let the potato cake rest for 30 minutes to set and develop flavors.

Step 15: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and slice into delectable portions.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Potato Cake

• Use a mandolin for ultra-thin, uniform potato slices that cook evenly and create a gorgeous layered texture.
• Choose high-quality Gruyere and cheddar for maximum flavor complexity and smooth melting properties.
• A cast iron skillet ensures crispy edges and even heat distribution, creating a perfect golden-brown potato cake.
• Covering the skillet initially prevents burning, while uncovering later helps achieve a beautiful golden cheese crust.
• Allow the potato cake to cool for 30 minutes, which helps it set and makes slicing much easier without falling apart.

Potato Cake Variations with Ham and Gruyere

• Vegetarian Potato Cake: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a colorful, meat-free version packed with vegetables and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower instead of potatoes, maintaining the cheesy texture while reducing carbohydrate content for keto followers.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap Gruyere and cheddar with feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the classic potato cake.

Serving Up Cheesy Potato Cake Beautifully

• Rustic Brunch Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette for balanced flavor and freshness.
• Weekend Family Feast: Perfect centerpiece for weekend gatherings, paired with roasted vegetables and crusty bread to soak up delicious cheesy sauce.
• Elegant Side Dish: Slice into wedges and plate as an impressive accompaniment to roasted chicken or grilled steak for an elevated dining experience.
• Casual Potluck Star: Transport in skillet, covered with foil, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing contribution to community meals or potluck events.

How to Store Potato Cake for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the potato cake is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for maximum 1 month, preventing freezer burn.
• Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning, then uncover last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to ensure even heating and maintaining the potato cake's texture.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they hold their shape and create a creamy texture when baked.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While cheddar and Gruyere are recommended, you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like Gouda or Emmental for a similar flavor profile.

• Is a cast iron skillet necessary?

A cast iron skillet helps create even heat distribution and a crispy bottom, but you can use a similar-sized oven-safe baking dish as an alternative.

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick (approximately 3mm). This ensures even cooking and a tender, layered texture in the potato cake.

Cheesy Potato Cake with Ham and Gruyere Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy potato cake with ham and gruyere blends rustic comfort with gourmet elegance. Crisp edges, creamy interior, and rich flavor profile make this dish a memorable centerpiece you’ll savor with genuine delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 russet potatoes, medium
• 9 slices ham
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded Gruyere cheese
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 13-inch cast iron skillet for the potato cake assembly.
2. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, create thin, uniform potato slices lengthwise for precise layering.
3. Arrange the first potato layer around the skillet’s perimeter, creating a circular pattern and moving clockwise until the bottom is completely covered.
4. Distribute one-third of the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses over the initial potato layer, then scatter half the ham pieces evenly across the surface.
5. Construct a second potato layer, carefully placing slices around the skillet’s edge and center, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle another portion of cheddar and Gruyere cheeses over the second layer, then add the remaining ham pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
7. Create the final potato layer, focusing on the skillet’s center and maintaining an even surface.
8. Top the final potato layer with the remaining cheddar and Gruyere cheeses for a rich, golden finish.
9. Cover the skillet with greased aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
10. Remove the skillet and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the next cooking phase.
11. Prepare the cream mixture by combining flour, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
12. Gradually whisk cream into the dry ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.
13. Remove the foil and evenly pour the cream mixture over the layered potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
14. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and becomes bubbly.
15. Allow the potato cake to cool for 30 minutes, which helps it set and makes slicing easier.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, showcasing the beautiful layers and melted cheese.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
• Use a mandolin for precise, consistent potato slices that create a beautiful layered texture.
• Select high-quality Gruyere and cheddar cheese for maximum flavor depth and creamy melting properties.
• Consider using a non-stick cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy golden bottom.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat cheese alternatives.
• Add fresh thyme or rosemary between potato layers to introduce additional aromatic herbs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg