Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty goodness of ham, the creamy texture of potatoes, and the irresistible charm of melted cheese? Look no further! This Ham and Potato Bake is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that promises to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you simply want to indulge in a deliciously satisfying comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel potatoes, then dice them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the onion and dice the ham into small, bite-sized pieces. Add both to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the potato and ham mixture. Toss ingredients together to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the potato and ham mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Pour the milk and cheese mixture over the potato and ham, ensuring it covers the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during initial baking.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes covered.
- Remove 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 rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking.
- Uniform Cutting: Dice your potatoes and ham into similar-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and a professional-looking dish.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for added depth of flavor.
- Moisture Control: The aluminum foil technique helps prevent the dish from drying out during the initial baking phase.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Customize Your Bake: Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 229kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
