Hearty Ham and Potato Bake

Name: Hearty Ham and Potato Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and sliced; 1 lb of cooked ham, diced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup of whole milk; 1 cup of heavy cream; 2 tbsp of unsalted butter; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tbsp of olive oil; 1 tsp of salt; 1/2 tsp of black pepper; 1/2 tsp of dried thyme; 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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There's nothing quite like a comforting, hearty dish to bring everyone around the table, and this Hearty Ham and Potato Bake does just that. It's a perfect blend of savory flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of freshness from the herbs. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

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Ingredients for Hearty Ham and Potato Bake

Russet potatoes are the backbone of this dish, providing a starchy, tender base that absorbs all the creamy goodness. The cooked ham contributes a savory, meaty flavor that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. Onions and garlic add aromatic depth, while cheddar cheese melts to form a deliciously gooey topping. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together. A touch of butter enhances the richness, and olive oil helps to sauté the veggies. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and dried thyme elevate the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes.
Don't skip the resting time; it helps the bake set up and makes serving easier.
Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly sliced potatoes, which cook more evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the dish. Steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts also make excellent sides. For a heartier meal, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the bake up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a little extra baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?: You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version, though the dish might be slightly less creamy.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Absolutely! Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Hearty Ham and Potato Bake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's ready to go when you are. Next, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.

Now, grab a large bowl and combine your sliced potatoes, diced ham, those beautifully sautéed onions and garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything well so the flavors can mingle.

Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a good buttering. This helps prevent sticking and adds a touch more flavor. Layer half of your potato mixture into the dish and sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture and cheese, creating layers of cheesy goodness.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over your casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes; this allows the potatoes to cook through and soak up all that flavor.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that golden brown, bubbly top that makes everyone’s mouth water. Once done, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for using up leftover ham — no waste!
Simple, straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand.
Rich, creamy texture with a golden, cheesy crust.
Flexible dish that can be prepped ahead of time.

Ingredients

2 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and sliced

1 lb of cooked ham, diced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup of whole milk

1 cup of heavy cream

2 tbsp of unsalted butter

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tbsp of olive oil

1 tsp of salt

1/2 tsp of black pepper

1/2 tsp of dried thyme

1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

3. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes, diced ham, sautéed onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.

4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

5. Layer half of the potato mixture in the dish, sprinkle with half of the cheese.

6. Repeat the layering with the remaining potato mixture and cheese.

7. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and heavy cream, then pour evenly over the casserole.

8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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