Creamy Ham and Gruyère Potato Bake
Indulge in the irresistible layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes bathed in a rich and creamy Gruyère cheese sauce, elevated by the savory addition of chopped ham. This luxurious dish, inspired by a Cooking Light classic, seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute; however, it lacks the deep, nutty flavor that Gruyère delivers. For consistent and even slicing, a food processor or mandoline is highly recommended.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
2 1/2 cups (low fat recommended)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Salt
3/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Butter
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Gruyère cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded, divided)
Yukon Gold potatoes
2 lbs (cut into 1/8 inch thick slices)
Cooking spray
(for coating the baking dish)
Ham
4 ounces (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, salt, and pepper until fully combined and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent, stirring frequently.
4
Gradually stir in the milk mixture into the saucepan, bring it to a gentle boil, and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese until smooth and melted.
5
In an 11 x 7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage, then sprinkle the chopped ham over the sauce.
6
Layer the remaining potato slices on top and pour the rest of the cheese sauce evenly over them, finishing with a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère cheese.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil that has been coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Ham and Gruyère Potato Bake?
This dish is a luxurious bake featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with a rich Gruyère cheese sauce and savory chopped ham.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their texture and flavor in this bake.
Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute, though it lacks the deep, nutty flavor that Gruyère provides.
How should the potatoes be sliced?
Potatoes should be cut into 1/8 inch thick slices. Using a food processor or mandoline is highly recommended for consistency.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How do I prepare the cheese sauce?
Whisk milk, flour, salt, and pepper, then add the mixture to sautéed onions. Boil for 2 minutes and stir in 3/4 cup of Gruyère until melted.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onions in butter for about 3 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
What kind of milk is recommended?
Low-fat milk is recommended for the sauce in this recipe.
How much ham is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of chopped ham.
How many layers of potatoes are there?
The recipe involves two main layers of potatoes, with cheese sauce and ham in between.
What size baking dish do I need?
An 11 x 7 inch baking dish is required for this potato bake.
How long does the dish need to bake while covered?
The dish should be baked covered with aluminum foil for 40 minutes.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 85 minutes: 40 minutes covered and an additional 45 minutes uncovered.
Why should I coat the aluminum foil with cooking spray?
Coating the foil with cooking spray prevents it from sticking to the cheese while baking.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the original recipe contains ham, it can be made vegetarian-friendly by omitting the meat.
What is a good side dish for this potato bake?
A fresh salad is a delightful accompaniment to this rich and creamy meal.
How much Gruyère cheese is used in total?
You will need a total of 1 1/4 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese, divided for the sauce and the topping.
What is the role of the flour in the recipe?
The all-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent for the milk-based cheese sauce.
Can I use butter to sauté the onions?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 teaspoons of butter specifically for sautéing the onion.
Is this dish inspired by a specific source?
Yes, this dish is inspired by a classic recipe from Cooking Light.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Where is the ham placed in the layers?
The chopped ham is sprinkled over the first layer of cheese sauce before adding the second layer of potatoes.
When do I add the remaining Gruyère?
The remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère is sprinkled over the top layer of sauce just before the dish goes into the oven.
What tools are recommended for slicing?
A mandoline or a food processor is highly recommended for consistent potato slices.
How much milk do I need?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of milk for the sauce.
Does the recipe require cooking spray?
Yes, cooking spray is used to coat the baking dish and the aluminum foil.
Is this dish appropriate for special occasions?
Yes, its blend of comfort and sophistication makes it perfect for family gatherings or special events.