Ham and Potato Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy cheese sauce make it a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Layer the ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the ham and half of the onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions, layering as desired.
- Step 3: Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw taste.
- Step 4: Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 5: Incorporate the cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted. Pour the sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, ham, and onions.
- Step 6: Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Step 7: Finish with Parmesan: Remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 8: Cool slightly before serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and to let the flavors settle.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce before pouring it over the layers.
- Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and creaminess.
- Substitute smoked ham for regular ham to add a smoky depth to the dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top along with Parmesan for an extra crispy topping.
Storage
Store leftover au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture without overcooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, you can try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for variety. Just ensure they melt well to keep the sauce creamy.
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Ham and Potato Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender sliced potatoes layered with savory cooked ham and onions, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy Parmesan topping, this dish makes a decadent main or side perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Meat
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish, then layer half of the diced ham and finely chopped onions on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions for a layered casserole effect.
- Make roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux mixture. Keep stirring frequently and allow it to simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Pour this cheesy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, ham, and onions in the casserole dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Parmesan and finish baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve while avoiding burns.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Leftover ham from holiday meals works perfect in this recipe.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use mozzarella or a mild cheddar cheese instead.
- You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before cutting to help it hold together better.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ham potato au gratin, cheesy potato casserole, baked potato and ham dish, comforting casserole, holiday casserole
