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