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Country-style Spud & Ham Bake with Luscious Cheese Topping brings together fluffy potatoes and flavorful ham chunks in a smooth, creamy cheese blend. This down-home comfort food turns everyday ingredients into a filling dinner that's great for using up ham leftovers or when you need to feed lots of hungry folks.
I whipped up this bake after we had ham at Christmas dinner, trying to figure out what to do with all the extras. These days my kids ask for it all the time, so I buy extra ham just to make sure there's enough left for this dish.
Key Components
- Yukon Gold potatoes: They stay firm yet creamy and won't fall apart
- High-quality ham: Holiday dinner leftovers give the tastiest results
- Sharp cheddar: Delivers a nice bite and stretchy cheese pulls
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce incredibly velvety
- Fresh thyme: Cuts through the richness with herb notes
- Garlic: Builds flavor in the cheese mixture
Step-By-Step Preparation
- Step 1: Get Potatoes Ready
- Cut potatoes into even, thin slices (roughly 1/8 inch) with a mandoline or knife. Briefly boil in salty water until slightly soft but not mushy. This helps them cook evenly in the bake.
- Step 2: Whip Up The Sauce
- Heat butter and cook garlic till you can smell it. Stir in flour to create a base, then slowly pour in warm milk and cream. Keep stirring until it thickens. Add cheese bit by bit, mixing until smooth.
- Step 3: Build Your Layers
- Begin with a thin sauce coating, then stack alternating layers of potatoes, ham, and cheese mixture. Don't forget to sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh thyme on each layer.
- Step 4: Finish The Top
- Pour the last of your sauce over everything and scatter plenty of cheese on top. This layer will turn golden and bubbly as it bakes.
- Step 5: Bake Until Done
- Cover with foil and cook at 375°F for 30 minutes. Take the foil off and cook another 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown with bubbling edges.
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My grandma always told me a proper bake needs to "rest" before serving. She wasn't wrong - letting it sit brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Layering Like A Pro
Each section should work like its own tiny meal. When you take a bite, you want just the right mix of soft potatoes, tasty ham bits, and that rich cheese sauce.
Prep Ahead Tricks
Put the whole thing together the night before, wrap it up tight, and stick it in the fridge. Just let it warm up a bit on the counter before you pop it in the oven.
What To Serve With It
A simple green salad with tangy dressing or some fresh steamed broccoli works great to balance out the richness of this bake.
Ways To Switch It Up
I sometimes throw in some cooked mushrooms or sweet browned onions between the layers to add extra flavor punch.
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After making this bake countless times, I've found it sits right in the sweet spot between everyday dinner and special occasion food. Whether it's just a Tuesday night meal or part of a holiday spread, it always brings happy faces around the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is this dish good for prepping ahead?
- Absolutely, you can put it together up to a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just let it sit out for 30 minutes before you pop it in the oven.
- → Can I switch the cheese type?
- You can definitely use other options like mild cheddar, smoky gouda, gruyere, or spicy pepper jack instead.
- → Will this casserole freeze well?
- It freezes nicely either cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months.
- → Which potatoes should I pick?
- Russet or Yukon Gold work really well in this dish.
- → What if I don't have ham?
- No problem, try cooked sausage or crumbled bacon chunks instead.