Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake
Indulge in our Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake, a perfect comfort food dish that combines layers of tender sliced potatoes and savory ham, enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is both hearty and flavorful, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. With a golden browned top and bubbling cheese, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home-cooked meals.
6
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6 (Peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch rounds)
Ham
sliced (Cut into thin pieces)
Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup (Melted)
Flour
1/4 cup (Used for thickening)
Onion
1/4-1/2 cup (Chopped)
Milk
2 cups (Used for making the cheese sauce)
Cheese
2-3 cups (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
3
Slice the ham into thin pieces.
4
In a saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a paste.
5
Add the chopped onions to the butter-flour mixture and sauté until softened.
6
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
7
Stir in 2 cups of grated cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a delicious cheese sauce.
8
In a 2-quart baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly.
9
Top the potatoes with half of the sliced ham.
10
Repeat with another layer of potatoes and then another layer of ham.
11
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the entire dish, ensuring all layers are covered.
12
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s sealed tightly, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
13
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
14
Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
28g
Carbs
9g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes and savory ham covered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
While any potato can work, starchy potatoes like Russets or all-purpose Yukon Golds are excellent for holding their shape in a bake.
How thick should I slice the potatoes?
Potatoes should be sliced into thin rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick for even cooking.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, for the best texture in this specific casserole, it is recommended to peel the potatoes before slicing.
How much ham is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for sliced ham to be divided into two layers; generally, enough to cover the surface of a 2-quart dish twice.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 2-quart baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I make the cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour and onions, gradually add milk until thickened, and then stir in 2 cups of grated cheese.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
Flour is used as a thickening agent to create a creamy roux for the cheese sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of butter or margarine to be used for the sauce base.
How much onion is included in the bake?
The recipe uses between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of chopped onion for flavor.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe suggests using between 2 to 3 cups of grated cheese.
How many layers are in this casserole?
The dish is built with two layers of potatoes and two layers of ham, topped with sauce.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering with foil seals in moisture and ensures the potatoes cook through without burning the cheese on top.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The casserole should bake covered for 1 hour.
How long do I bake it after removing the foil?
Bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered until the top is golden and bubbling.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender, the cheese is bubbling, and the top has reached a golden brown color.
Why should I let the dish cool before serving?
Letting the dish rest for a few minutes allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
One serving of this bake contains approximately 320 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 28 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish offer?
This recipe provides 9 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is traditional, you can use any good melting cheese like Colby, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
Is this recipe considered a casserole?
Yes, it is categorized as a casserole or a baked dish.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect family meal that is popular with both kids and adults.
Can I add extra seasoning to the sauce?
While the recipe is flavorful as is, you can add salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme to the cheese sauce if desired.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is straightforward to prepare.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before eating.