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Easy Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

Creamy potatoes au gratin with diced ham baked in a rich cheese sauce. This comforting dish features russet potatoes layered with ham and topped with sharp cheddar. Perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American, French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • oven
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the softened butter.
  • Arrange a single, even layer of half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the diced ham and chopped onion on top.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth, bubbly paste.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and ham in the baking dish, then arrange the remaining potato slices on top and pour the rest of the sauce over everything, gently shaking the dish to help the sauce settle.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Let the gratin rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set for easier slicing.

Notes

Let the gratin rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set for easier slicing.
Keyword casserole, cheese sauce, comfort food, ham, potatoes au gratin