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Country-Style Ham & Potato Bake with Smooth Cheese Topping brings together soft potatoes and flavorful ham in a thick, creamy cheese blend. This down-home comfort food takes everyday items and turns them into a filling dinner that's great for using up ham leftovers or when you need to feed plenty of folks.
I threw this casserole together after we had too much Easter ham sitting in the fridge. These days my kids ask for it all the time, and I actually buy extra ham just so we'll have enough to make this dish later.
Key Components
- Yukon Gold potatoes: They stay firm yet creamy and won't fall apart when baked
- Premium ham chunks: Holiday leftovers give the richest taste
- Sharp cheddar: Brings a nice bite and stretches beautifully when melted
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce incredibly smooth
- Fresh thyme: Cuts through the richness with herbal notes
- Garlic: Builds flavor in the cheese mixture
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Cut potatoes into equal thin slices (around 1/8 inch) with a mandoline or good knife. Briefly boil in salty water until slightly soft but not mushy. This helps them cook evenly throughout the dish.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce
- Heat butter and cook garlic till you can smell it. Add flour and stir to form a paste, then slowly pour in warm milk and cream. Keep stirring until it thickens up. Mix in cheese bit by bit, stirring till everything's melted smooth.
- Step 3: Layer with Care
- Begin with a small amount of sauce on the bottom, then stack alternating layers of potatoes, ham, and cheese mixture. Don't forget to add salt, pepper, and thyme to each level.
- Step 4: Top It Off
- Pour the last of your sauce on top and sprinkle generously with cheese. This final layer will turn golden and bubbly as it bakes.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and cook at 375°F for 30 minutes. Take the foil off and bake 15-20 minutes more until the top is golden and the sides are bubbling.
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When I was little, my grandma always told us good food needs to "rest a bit." She wasn't wrong - the flavors really come together during that short waiting period.
Smart Layering Tricks
Consider each layer like its own small meal. You want every forkful to have just the right mix of soft potatoes, tasty ham bits, and velvety cheese sauce.
Prep-Ahead Benefits
You can put the whole thing together a day early, wrap it up tight, and stick it in the fridge. Just let it warm up a bit before you pop it in the oven.
What to Serve With It
A simple green salad with tangy dressing or some lightly steamed broccoli works great against the richness of this dish.
Ways to Switch It Up
I often toss in some cooked mushrooms or browned onions between the layers to add more depth and flavor.
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I've made this dish countless times over the years, and it sits perfectly between everyday dinner and something special enough for company. It works just as well for Tuesday night family meals as it does for fancy weekend brunches, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this casserole ahead?
- Absolutely, you can put it together up to a day early and keep it in the fridge. Just let it sit out for 30 minutes before you pop it in the oven.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Sure thing, try swapping in normal cheddar, smoky gouda, gruyere, or spicy pepper jack instead.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
- You can stick it in the freezer for up to 3 months, whether you've baked it or not.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
- Go with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best results in this dish.
- → Can I substitute the ham?
- Definitely, try cooked sausage or crumbled bacon if you don't have ham on hand.