Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
– In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
– Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
– Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Au Gratin:
– Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the diced ham evenly over the potatoes.
– Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and ham, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
– Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce.
4. Add Cheese Topping:
– Combine the remaining shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the top of the potato and ham layers.
5. Bake to Perfection:
– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
– Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Garnish and Serve:
– Once baked, let the Ham and Potato Au Gratin rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness if desired.
7. Enjoy the Creamy Goodness:
– Serve the Ham and Potato Au Gratin as a comforting main dish or hearty side alongside your favorite vegetables or salad.
Tips for Success:
– Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking and tender texture.
– Customize the cheese blend according to your preferences, such as adding Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese.
– For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.
With its creamy cheese sauce, layers of potatoes and ham, and irresistible cheesy topping, this Ham and Potato Au Gratin recipe is a winner for any mealtime occasion. Easy to make yet incredibly flavorful, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings and impress guests with its comforting goodness. Whip up a batch of this delectable au gratin and savor the creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that will make it a family favorite in no time!
