Au Gratin Potatoes And Ham
A creamy, cheesy casserole of potatoes, ham, and onions baked to perfection in a slow cooker, ideal for comforting family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer half of the potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese in the slow cooker.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and thyme.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
- Reduce to low and cook for an additional 2 to 2.5 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk in the soup mixture. You can also substitute the cooked ham with leftover turkey or a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms for a meatless version. Fresh thyme can elevate the flavor, but if unavailable, dried thyme works well too. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Au Gratin Potatoes and Ham with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Chili Nacho Dip for a flavorful appetizer. For a heartier option, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy with friends and family for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes and ham in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a low oven until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Au Gratin Potatoes And Ham contains roughly 1476 calories, with 24g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), potassium (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen sliced potatoes. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you cook.
What type of cheese works best in this dish?
A sharp cheddar cheese is classic for this recipe, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also create a more complex taste, so feel free to get creative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to cover the slow cooker or transfer everything to a baking dish if you are storing it separately. Adjust the cooking time if starting from cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).