Introduction
This delicious casserole combines the comforting flavors of potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and full of hearty ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 small yellow onion, diced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk (or 2% if preferred)
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (or mild, medium, or cheddar jack)
– 4 medium potatoes, uniformly diced
– 1 cup diced ham
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Directions
1. Preparation: Clean, peel, and dice the potatoes uniformly. Dice the ham if using leftovers.
2. Layering: In a casserole dish, layer half of the diced potatoes. Add half of the diced ham over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and ham. Season the top layer and set aside.
3. Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until tender. Stir in flour and let it simmer until slightly browned. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Assembly: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham in the casserole dish.
5. Baking: Cover the casserole dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation
– Clean, peel, and dice the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
– If using leftover ham, dice it into small, bite-sized pieces for easier mixing with other ingredients.
Layering
– In a large casserole dish, layer half of the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom. This will serve as the base of the dish.
– Next, add half of the diced ham over the potatoes, making sure to distribute it evenly.
– Season this layer with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavor.
– Repeat the process by adding the remaining potatoes on top of the ham.
– Finish this layer by adding the remaining diced ham and seasoning the top layer with salt and pepper. Set the layered dish aside temporarily.
Cheese Sauce
– In a medium saucepan, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat, allowing it to become bubbly but not browned.
– Add the diced onions to the melted butter and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent.
– Stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking it for a short period while stirring to prevent lumps, until it is slightly browned and has a nutty aroma.
– Gradually pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth while continuously stirring to combine smoothly.
– Add the whole milk (or 2%) slowly, continuing to stir until the mixture is well combined and begins to thicken.
– Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Assembly
– Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham in the casserole dish, ensuring every piece is well coated.
Baking
– Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent it from drying out while baking.
– Place the covered casserole in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 hour.
– After 1 hour, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s done.
Serving
– Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes upon removal from the oven to ensure it sets properly before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
Cheese Options
– You can use other types of cheese such as mild, medium, or cheddar jack for different flavor profiles.
Potato Variations
– Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well in this recipe, but be sure they are uniformly diced for even cooking.
Leftovers
– Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making it a great meal prep option.
Vegetarian Alternative
– If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham and consider adding sautéed vegetables to enhance flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparation
Clean, peel, and uniformly dice the potatoes for even cooking. If using leftover ham, dice it into small pieces for easier mixing and distribution throughout the casserole.
Layering
Layer the ingredients methodically in a casserole dish to ensure each bite has a good mix of potatoes and ham. Seasoning each layer enhances the flavor throughout the dish.
Cheese Sauce Creation
Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté diced onions until tender, creating a flavorful base for the cheese sauce. Adding flour allows for thickening, while gradually mixing in the chicken broth and milk ensures a smooth consistency. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy sauce.
Assembly
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham to ensure comprehensive coverage, which helps in binding the dish together during baking.
Baking
Cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking period to retain moisture, ensuring the potatoes are cooked properly. The final uncovered baking creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds texture.
Serving
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set. This helps in slicing and serving clean portions.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with mild, medium, or cheddar jack based on your taste preference.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Any starchy potato, such as russet or Yukon gold, works well because they hold their shape and create a creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the ham and add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute in the cheese sauce.
Conclusion
This delicious casserole combines the hearty flavors of potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sharp cheddar and seasonings elevates this recipe, making it a family favorite. Serve it on its own or as a side dish, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
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Mix similar ingredients into a quiche for a delicious brunch option, adding eggs to bind everything together for a rich and savory experience.
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Layer thinly sliced potatoes and ham, then pour the cheese sauce over it for a delightful twist on traditional gratin.
