Description

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham, perfect for cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups diced cooked ham (about 300 g)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml), optional
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g), plus extra for topping
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Peel and slice potatoes into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick rounds. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl.
Dice the cooked ham into roughly 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) cubes and add to the potatoes. Toss gently to combine.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Cook and stir until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Layer half the potato and ham mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over it. Repeat with remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.
Top with an additional 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Check potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Thinly sliced potatoes cook best; thicker slices may remain underdone. Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up for easier slicing. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely. Leftover ham or smoked turkey can be used. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 350
Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 28
Protein: 15

Keywords: ham casserole, scalloped potatoes, comfort food, creamy casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy potatoes, leftover ham recipe