Description
Hearty ham and potato casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory meat with creamy potato layers. Cheesy, golden-brown edges promise a delicious meal that welcomes you home with warmth and rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
- 2 cups milk
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven, creating an ideal environment for crafting a comforting ham and potato casserole. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Construct a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce flour and whisk vigorously, creating a smooth roux that will serve as the foundation for the creamy mixture.
- Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, stirring continuously to eliminate any potential lumps. Infuse the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, transforming it into a fragrant and seasoned base.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens and begins to bubble, indicating the perfect consistency. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese, creating a luxurious, silky sauce that will bind the casserole ingredients.
- Assemble the casserole in strategic layers: spread a foundation of sliced potatoes, followed by a generous scattering of diced ham and chopped onions. Drizzle half the cheese sauce over this initial layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce, making sure every ingredient is lovingly coated and distributed.
- Enhance the casserole’s visual appeal and texture by sprinkling the remaining cheese across the top. If desired, dust with breadcrumbs for an additional crispy dimension.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and the flavors to meld. Remove the foil during the final baking stage to achieve a golden, bubbly surface.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the ingredients settle and the flavors intensify before serving this comforting dish.
Notes
- Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to boost nutritional value and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce cheese and use low-fat milk to create a lighter version without compromising flavor intensity.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and increased nutritional complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg