Irresistible Ham and Potato Bake Recipe

 Sometimes, nothing beats the comforting smell of a hearty meal baking in the oven. Enter the Ham and Potato Bake—a dish that’s as warm and inviting as your favorite blanket on a cold evening. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of potatoes, savory bites of ham, and creamy goodness into a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a satisfying Sunday lunch. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds (or thirds!).

Below, you'll find everything you need to whip up this delicious, comfort-filled dish.

Ingredients

This recipe serves about 6 people and takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

• 4 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups diced or shredded cooked ham
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little smoky kick)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Dish
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Slice the Potatoes
   Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). A mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife will do just fine.

3. Layer the Ingredients
   Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the ham, half of the chopped onion, and about 1 cup of shredded cheese over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half until smooth and well-mixed. This mixture creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together.

5. Pour and Cover
   Slowly pour the sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring that it spreads evenly throughout the dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

6. Bake It
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (a fork should slide through easily) and the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve warm.

Customization Tips

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add some diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce into the cream mixture if you love heat.
• No Ham? No Problem Add cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken instead.

Serving Ideas

Ham and Potato Bake is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an even heartier spread, serve it alongside warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container—they reheat wonderfully for next-day meals!

This Ham and Potato Bake is everything you want in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Now it’s your turn to bring this little piece of comfort into your kitchen! Happy baking!