Description
Classic ham and potato casserole combines hearty Midwestern comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Simple ingredients blend into a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 2.5 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1.25 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 0.5 cup chicken stock or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant over medium heat.
- Dust flour over the softened onions, stirring to create a smooth base. Gradually incorporate milk, chicken stock, seasonings, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Arrange potato slices evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Distribute diced ham generously over the potatoes.
- Gently pour the seasoned sauce over the potato and ham layer, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the rich flavors.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Potato Selection Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best absorption of sauce.
- Cheese Flexibility Swap out cheddar with Swiss, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles and richness.
- Ham Alternatives Replace ham with cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Make-Ahead Magic Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation easier.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg