Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Potato, Onion, and Ham Au Gratin! Imagine layers of creamy, cheesy goodness melding perfectly with tender potatoes and savory ham—a dish so irresistible, it'll have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or create a hearty family meal, this recipe is your golden ticket to comfort food heaven.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and thinly slice potatoes using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, ensuring uniform thickness of approximately 1/8 inch for even cooking.
- Dice the cooked ham into small, bite-sized cubes and thinly slice the onions to create consistent, delicate pieces.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a thin layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping the edges to create a solid base.
- Sprinkle a portion of diced ham, sliced onions, and shredded cheese over the potato layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Repeat layering potatoes, ham, onions, and cheese, creating multiple layers until all ingredients are used. The final layer should be topped with cheese.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it seeps between the potato slices.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cream to set and makes cutting easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin potato slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Choose a high-quality, flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum taste.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking—it helps the cream set and makes serving easier.
- For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use milk.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg
