Description
Ham and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, diced ham, and onions baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Finished with a golden Parmesan crust, this classic dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Arrange half of the peeled, thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Spread half of the diced ham and then half of the finely chopped onions on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions.
- Prepare the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux. Continue stirring frequently as the mixture simmers and thickens. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Add cheddar cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Pour this cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, ham, and onions in the casserole dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and finish baking: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return uncovered to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving: Let the au gratin rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute ham with cooked bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Letting the dish rest after baking improves the texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- 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 ham casserole, comfort food, easy casserole
