Description
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, savory diced ham, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture, baked to bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Casserole Layers
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes sliced, divided
- 1 ½ cups diced ham fully cooked, divided
Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Onion and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Top with half of the diced ham. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and ham to create two layers.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the top layer of potatoes and ham. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired for extra cheesiness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender when tested.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly, creating a delicious crust.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, savory flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- Potatoes: Yukon gold and yellow potatoes work best for their creamy texture, but any white potato can be used.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a rich cheese sauce, but 2% milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the dish gluten free.
- Cheese Topping: Adding extra shredded cheddar on top is optional but enhances the cheesy crust.
- Ham: Fully cooked diced ham is used; leftover ham works great for this recipe.
