Hey there, friends! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: Ham and Potato Au Gratin. This classic dish, rooted in French culinary tradition, is a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to bring comfort to the table. With its creamy layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty, comforting meal that brings people together.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Au Gratin
Comforting and Wholesome: The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham make this dish incredibly satisfying.
Versatile: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in a beautiful way, with most of the work done in the oven!
Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, they reheat beautifully—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredients for Ham and Potato Au Gratin
To make this heartwarming dish, you’ll need:
2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a tender, creamy texture.
1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced: A great way to use up leftover ham!
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish.
3 tablespoons butter: For the rich, creamy sauce base.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
2 cups milk: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but you can use 2% if desired.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and color.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that irresistible cheesy flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredient Tips
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet. They become soft and creamy when baked, while waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings tend to stay firmer.
Ham: This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover ham, but deli ham or even thick-cut bacon can work too.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a strong, tangy flavor, while Parmesan adds a salty kick. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Milk: Whole milk creates the richest sauce, but you can substitute with a lower-fat milk or a plant-based option like almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
Spices: Paprika adds a nice color and hint of smokiness, but you could also try a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Instructions Outline
Follow these simple steps to make your Ham and Potato Au Gratin:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Ingredients: Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the casserole dish. Add half of the diced ham and half of the chopped onions over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions. You can overlap the potato slices slightly to ensure even cooking.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and let it simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the sauce.
Add Cheese and Pour: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Pour this creamy cheese sauce evenly over the potato, ham, and onion layers in the casserole dish.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Then, uncover, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden.
Let Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly. This makes it easier to serve and prevents burns from the piping hot casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the rich, creamy flavors.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Warm Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. Consider a fresh baguette or dinner rolls.
Applesauce or Cranberry Sauce: A side of applesauce or cranberry sauce adds a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some fun ways to customize this dish:
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a meat-free option.
Add Some Heat: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
Mixed Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or smoked Gouda to create new flavor combinations.
Healthier Twist: Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or use a mix of potatoes and cauliflower for a lighter version.
Final Note
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin is more than just a recipe; it’s a cozy meal that brings warmth and love to any gathering. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and fills your heart with happiness as you watch your family scrape their plates clean. Whether for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too.
Give it a try, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy.
Ham and Potato Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1½ cups cooked ham diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, followed by half of the ham and half of the onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onions.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potato and ham layers.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.