Savory Ham and Potato Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Get ready for a comforting classic! This Savory Ham and Potato Bake combines simple ingredients into a rich, creamy dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. The blend of melty cheese with savory ham and tender potatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Savory Ham and Potato Bake

Potatoes form the hearty base of this dish, offering satisfying texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet for best results.

Ham brings a savory, slightly smoky element to the bake. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or try your favorite deli ham, diced up nicely.

Onion and garlic are the aromatic backbone, lending depth and flavor to the creamy sauce. These small but mighty ingredients make all the difference.

Cheddar cheese provides the cheesy goodness that ties everything together. Opt for a sharp cheddar if you like a pronounced cheese flavor.

The milk and flour create the creamy sauce, with butter adding richness and smoothness to the mix.

Salt, black pepper, and paprika season the sauce, enhancing its flavors and giving a hint of warmth from the paprika.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even cooking, slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly.
  • If you like a bit of crunch, try adding breadcrumbs on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance its richness. A simple vinaigrette with some tang complements the creamy casserole perfectly. Alternatively, serve it alongside some steamed green beans or asparagus for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in an airtight container.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to substitute other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Savory Ham and Potato Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup later.

Next, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until the onion turns translucent. This will take about 5 minutes, and it’s crucial for developing flavor.

Stir in the flour, forming a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Keep whisking as it cooks and thickens into a smooth sauce.

Season this sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika. Incorporate 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s melted and incorporated.

In your prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes, followed by half of the remaining cheese.

Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layers. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, cheese, and sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and bubbly.

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps it set up nicely so it slices beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfect for using up leftover ham from holidays.
  • Rich, cheesy, and satisfying without being overly complicated.
  • Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready.

Ingredients

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the flour until a paste forms, then gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
5. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the sauce, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
6. In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
7. Sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes, followed by half of the remaining cheese.
8. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layers, then repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, cheese, and sauce.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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