Welcome to comfort food at its finest: Traditional Ham and Potato Casserole. It's a heartwarming dish that's perfect for family dinners, especially when you need something warm and satisfying. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that's both nourishing and delicious.
The star of this dish is ham, which adds a savory, smoky flavor. It's important to use cooked ham to ensure the dish has the right texture and taste. Next, we have russet potatoes, which are starchy and perfect for baking, giving the casserole its hearty base. Onion adds a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy sauce that's hard to resist. To bind everything together, milk, butter, and flour are used to make a classic roux, while salt, black pepper, and garlic powder enhance the flavors. Finally, breadcrumbs sprinkled on top provide an irresistible crispy finish.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of crisp white wine makes a delightful accompaniment.
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's hot and ready by the time you’ve assembled your casserole. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pan, whisking continuously to form a roux. This is what will thicken our cheese sauce, so make sure it's nice and smooth.
Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking as you go. This part requires a bit of patience; keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for seasoning. Now, stir in 1½ cups of the sharp cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and start layering: half of the sliced potatoes, half of the diced ham, and half of the chopped onion. Pour half of your cheese sauce evenly over these layers. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onion, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
Top it off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese to create that golden, bubbly crust we all love. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving, as this will help the casserole set a bit.
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