I’m so happy to share this Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin recipe because it is easy, cheesy, and very comforting. Soft cooked potatoes and diced ham are covered in a creamy cheese sauce, then baked until hot and bubbly. Every bite is rich, smooth, and full of simple flavor. It is the kind of cozy meal that feels special but is still simple enough for a weeknight.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 55 minutes
Prep Time: about 15 to 20 minutes
Cook Time: about 35 to 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made a small pan of this for dinner. The smell of butter and melted cheese filled my kitchen, and it felt like true comfort food.
This dish is made with cooked sliced potatoes, diced ham, and a creamy cheese sauce that you make right on the stove. The sauce is poured over everything, then it all bakes together until thick and bubbly. It is perfect when you want something warm and filling without using a lot of ingredients.
How to Make Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin
This recipe is all about layering simple ingredients with a smooth homemade cheese sauce. Here is how it comes together:
• Cooked, sliced potatoes as the soft base
• Diced ham for a savory, salty bite
• A little minced onion for extra flavor
• Butter and flour cooked together to start the sauce
• Milk stirred in to create a creamy texture
• Shredded cheddar melted into the sauce
• Everything baked until hot and bubbly
It is a simple mix, pour, and bake dish that gives you creamy and cheesy results every time.
Ingredients
• 2 cups sliced, peeled, and cooked potatoes
• 1 cup fully cooked ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced onion
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine
• 3 teaspoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash white pepper
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a 1 quart casserole dish so nothing sticks.
- Combine the Base Ingredients:
- In the greased dish, add the cooked sliced potatoes, diced ham, and minced onion.
- Gently stir them together so they are evenly mixed, then set aside.
- Melt the Butter:
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the butter and let it melt completely.
- Make the Thick Base:
- Stir in the flour and mix until smooth.
- Cook for a minute or two, stirring, so it forms a soft paste.
- Add the Milk:
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly so no lumps form.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to gently bubble.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and white pepper.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour and Mix:
- Pour the hot cheese sauce over the potato and ham mixture in the casserole dish.
- Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.
- It is ready when the top is hot and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Process Details
• Making the Sauce: Cooking the butter and flour together first helps thicken the milk later. This keeps the sauce creamy and not watery.
• Stirring the Milk Slowly: Adding the milk little by little helps prevent lumps and makes the sauce smooth.
• Melting the Cheese: Stirring until fully melted gives you a rich, even cheese flavor in every bite.
• Gentle Mixing: Stirring the sauce into the potatoes carefully keeps the slices from breaking apart.
• Baking Time: The oven helps everything blend together and lets the sauce thicken even more.
Tips for Success
• Use potatoes that are already cooked and sliced so they are tender in the final dish.
• Dice the ham into small, even pieces for better flavor in every bite.
• Stir the sauce constantly once you add the milk so it does not stick or burn.
• If your ham is salty, you can reduce the added salt slightly.
• For extra color, you can sprinkle a little more cheese on top before baking.
Serving Ideas
• Simple Dinner: Serve with a side of green peas or steamed vegetables.
• Comfort Plate: Pair with a small salad for a balanced meal.
• Brunch Option: Serve smaller portions alongside eggs for a hearty brunch.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a little extra shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Let the dish cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring gently.
• Freezing: You can freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to about 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Texture Note: The sauce may thicken more after cooling, but it will loosen as it heats up again.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~520
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~35g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~1100mg
• Sugar: ~8g
Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and full of simple comfort. The soft potatoes, savory ham, and rich sauce come together in a way that feels warm and satisfying.
I hope you give this recipe a try the next time you want something cozy and easy. Once you see how simple it is to make, it might become one of your favorite comfort meals too.