Creamy Ham & Sweet Potato Bake with Swiss Cheese
This indulgent Creamy Ham & Sweet Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Combining the natural sweetness of fresh sweet potatoes with savory ham and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and nutritious. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the California Sweet Potato Council, this dish has been a hit in our household for years. It's a delightful way to get kids (and adults!) to enjoy sweet potatoes, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their casserole game.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh sweet potatoes (yam variety)
1.5 lbs (washed, cooked, peeled, and sliced)
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
flour
1/4 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
basil
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
milk
1.5 cups
Swiss cheese
1.5 cups (grated)
cooked ham
3/4 lb (cubed)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Place the unpeeled sweet potatoes in a pot filled with a small amount of boiling salted water. Cover and cook until they are tender, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes.
2
Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the pot and let them cool slightly. Peel the skin and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set them aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour, salt, crushed basil, dry mustard, and pepper until fully combined. Return to low heat and cook until the mixture is bubbly, stirring constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes.
5
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then let it boil for an additional minute while stirring. Remove from heat and mix in 3/4 cup of the grated Swiss cheese and the cubed ham until well combined.
6
In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, pour half of the ham and cheese mixture. Layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes on top, followed by the remaining cheese mixture. Finally, arrange the remaining sweet potatoes on top of the casserole.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the casserole and bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Ham & Sweet Potato Bake with Swiss Cheese?
It is an indulgent comfort food casserole that combines the natural sweetness of fresh sweet potatoes with savory ham and a rich, creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
How many sweet potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh sweet potatoes, preferably of the yam variety.
How should I prepare the sweet potatoes before baking?
Wash them thoroughly and boil them unpeeled in salted water for 20 to 30 minutes until tender. Then, peel and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What type of cheese is best for this bake?
The recipe specifically uses 1.5 cups of grated Swiss cheese for its distinct flavor and creamy texture.
How much ham is needed and how should it be prepared?
You will need 3/4 lb of cooked ham, which should be cubed before being added to the sauce.
What ingredients are used in the creamy sauce base?
The sauce is made from butter, chopped onion, flour, salt, crushed basil, dry mustard, pepper, and milk.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
Sauté the 1/2 cup of chopped onion in melted butter for about 3 to 5 minutes until it is translucent and fragrant.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before putting the casserole in to bake.
How do I layer the casserole ingredients?
Pour half of the ham and cheese mixture into the dish, layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes, then the remaining cheese mixture, and finish with the rest of the sweet potatoes on top.
How long is the total baking time?
The dish bakes for an initial 25 minutes, followed by an additional 3 to 4 minutes after adding the final cheese topping.
When do I add the remaining Swiss cheese?
After the initial 25 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top and bake until it is bubbly and melted.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1/4 cup of butter or margarine.
What seasonings give this dish its unique flavor?
The flavor is enhanced by 1/2 teaspoon of crushed basil and 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, along with salt and pepper.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food and a great way to encourage kids to eat sweet potatoes.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of milk to create the creamy sauce.
Should the sweet potatoes be peeled before boiling?
No, they should be boiled unpeeled and then peeled after they have cooked and cooled slightly.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish was inspired by a recipe from the California Sweet Potato Council.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The result is a satisfying, creamy casserole with tender potato rounds and melted bubbly cheese.
How long should the sauce cook once the milk is added?
Once it reaches a boil, let it boil for one additional minute while stirring continuously.
Does the recipe require a specific variety of sweet potato?
The recipe recommends using the yam variety of fresh sweet potatoes.
What should I do after removing the bake from the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients required for this dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, one dish meal, ham, sweet potatoes, cheesy, family-friendly, and comfort food.
Is the ham added directly to the sauce?
Yes, the cubed ham and 3/4 cup of cheese are mixed into the sauce after it has been removed from the heat.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of flour to thicken the cheese sauce.
Should I stir the flour mixture while cooking?
Yes, stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat until the mixture is bubbly to prevent burning.
Can I prep the sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can boil, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes ahead of time and set them aside until you are ready to assemble.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bake?
It features a balance of natural sweetness from the potatoes, saltiness from the ham and cheese, and herbal notes from the basil.
How much Swiss cheese is used for the topping?
The remaining 3/4 cup of grated Swiss cheese (from the total 1.5 cups) is used as the final topping.