Mom'S Au Gratin Potatoes And Ham
Creamy au gratin potatoes layered with tender ham and melted Cheddar cheese create a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in water for 30 minutes or microwave 5 to 7 minutes, then refrigerate if prepared ahead.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in all-purpose flour, salt, and dehydrated onions or chopped onion, cooking until blended and slightly thickened.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Slice the boiled potatoes and layer half in a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of ham slices if desired, then top with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the sauce. If you're out of margarine, butter works just as well. You can substitute cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different taste. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be used, and don't hesitate to experiment with different types of potatoes for varying textures.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty main course alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables for balance. It pairs beautifully with Marsha'S Healthy Pumpkin Pie(Sugar Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium) for dessert, creating a comforting meal. For a more substantial feast, consider serving with crusty bread or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the crispy top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Au Gratin Potatoes And Ham contains roughly 1130 calories, with 20g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and sauce ahead of time, refrigerating them separately. Assemble them before baking for a quick meal. Just allow extra time for baking if it's straight from the fridge.
What type of ham should I use?
You can use any cooked ham, such as leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even a smoked ham for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used instead of regular milk. Just choose an unsweetened version to avoid altering the flavor.
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).