Description
This Cozy Baked Potatoes Cheese Ham recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory cooked ham, fragrant onions, garlic, and rich Gruyère cheese, all baked together in creamy heavy cream with a touch of fresh thyme and nutmeg. Perfectly golden and bubbling from the oven, this comforting dish makes an ideal hearty meal for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 1.76 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Butter
- 7 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- 6.8 fluid ounces heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing and dotting
Meat and Seasoning
- 5.3 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish (approximately 8×12 inches) with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- First layering: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Distribute half of the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced cooked ham, and grated Gruyère cheese over the potato layer. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of nutmeg to season.
- Second layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, and Gruyère cheese to create a second layer. Season again with salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg for balanced flavor throughout.
- Add cream and butter: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the assembled layers to ensure creaminess during baking. Dot the surface with the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter to enhance richness and promote browning.
- Bake covered and uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Gruyère cheese with Emmental or Swiss cheese for a similar flavor.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your ham and cheese.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind it will be less rich.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving to prevent separating and ensure easier slicing.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and layering.
