Ham and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting and hearty dish that combines thinly sliced potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a side, this casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
The layered potatoes and diced ham provide a satisfying base, while a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of paprika adds depth and flavor. As it bakes, the sauce thickens and infuses the potatoes with a creamy, cheesy goodness, while the Parmesan topping creates a golden-brown, crispy layer that enhances both texture and taste.
After baking, a brief cooling period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. This classic dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the indulgent combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Au Gratin:
Decadently Creamy Texture
The creamy cheese sauce, made from scratch, infuses every bite with rich flavor. The roux-based sauce ensures it’s silky and perfectly thick, while the mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates an indulgent cheesy goodness.
Balanced Savory Flavor
The ham adds a deliciously salty and savory bite, pairing beautifully with the mild, buttery potatoes. The finely chopped onion brings a gentle aroma and sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
Family Favorite
This casserole is a hit with all ages, making it a family-friendly option that kids and adults alike will love. The cheesy, comforting flavors are universally appealing and easy to customize.
Versatile Side or Main
Serve it as a hearty side dish for a special dinner or as a main course with a green salad. It’s versatile, satisfying, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and holiday tables.
Key Ingredients:
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Russets offer a fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds provide a slightly creamier bite. Slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) for even cooking. A mandoline makes quick work of this step and helps keep the slices uniform.
Cooked Ham: This adds a savory, slightly salty flavor. Use leftover ham or purchase pre-cooked ham from the deli. Dice it into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly in each layer.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a subtle sweetness and aroma to the dish. You can use yellow onion for a milder flavor or red onion if you prefer a slightly sharper taste.
Butter and Flour: These form the base for the roux, a thickener for the cheese sauce. Cooking the flour in melted butter removes the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
Milk: Regular milk works well here for a creamy texture, but you can use whole milk for an even richer result. Avoid skim milk, as it may make the sauce too thin.
Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly, giving a bold cheesy flavor that stands up well to the ham and potatoes. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty touch and a nice golden crust when sprinkled on top.
Paprika: Just a hint of paprika gives the sauce a bit of warmth and color, enhancing the overall presentation and depth of flavor.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Dish: Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice 2 pounds of potatoes into 1/8-inch thick slices, using a mandoline if possible for uniformity.
Dice the Ham: Dice 1 1/2 cups of cooked ham into bite-sized pieces to add a savory flavor.
Chop the Onion: Finely chop 1 small onion to add an aromatic layer to the dish.
3. Layer the Ingredients
First Layer: Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Add Ham and Onion: Sprinkle half of the diced ham and chopped onion over the potatoes.
Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining potato slices, followed by the rest of the ham and onion.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add Flour: Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Add Milk Gradually: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Simmer and Thicken: Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for color and flavor.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and blended.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes, ham, and onions, spreading it out evenly to coat each layer.
Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook and absorb the sauce flavors.
Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 20-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve
Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, helping the layers set.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish out servings of creamy, cheesy Ham and Potato Au Gratin, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and main dishes:
Green Salad: The crisp, fresh flavors of a simple green salad with vinaigrette balance out the creamy richness of the gratin.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for added color and a slight crunch.
Bread Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty rolls to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Soup Pairing: A light soup like tomato or vegetable is a perfect starter that won’t overshadow the gratin.
For a heartier meal, you can serve the gratin alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a grilled steak.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish and stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers all week!
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and improve over time, making it delicious the next day!
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. The microwave works too but may make the potatoes a little softer.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep it in advance. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Recipe Variations to Try:
This classic Ham and Potato Au Gratin recipe is highly adaptable! Here are some fun variations to switch it up:
1. Bacon and Chive Au Gratin
Replace the ham with cooked, crumbled bacon and add chopped chives for a slightly smoky, herby twist.
2. Chicken and Potato Au Gratin
Substitute the ham with diced, cooked chicken breast for a lighter, protein-rich variation. This version pairs wonderfully with a garlic herb seasoning added to the cheese sauce.
3. Veggie-Packed Au Gratin
Add a layer of fresh spinach, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms between the potato layers. This adds nutrients and a pop of color to the dish.
4. Cheesy Three-Cheese Gratin
Mix in additional cheeses like Gruyère and mozzarella with the cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor. Perfect for cheese lovers!
5. Garlic and Herb Au Gratin
Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cheese sauce for a fragrant, savory flavor twist.
Conclusion:
This Ham and Potato Au Gratin is comfort food at its finest, with layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s versatile enough to serve for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Whichever variation you choose, this dish will bring warmth, satisfaction, and plenty of compliments to your table! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
