Ultimate Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Look no further than this incredible Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner! This recipe combines the savory goodness of ham with the creamy, cheesy deliciousness of potatoes, creating a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to impress. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. We’ll explore various options and substitutions, ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone.

Why This Recipe Works

This Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner is a winner for several reasons:

* **Comfort Food Classic:** It’s a modern take on classic comfort food, reminiscent of cheesy potatoes and ham casserole, but elevated with fresh ingredients and thoughtful techniques.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward, with clear instructions and readily available ingredients. Even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Swap out cheeses, add vegetables, or use different types of ham.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses economical ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
* **Makes Great Leftovers:** The leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, either reheated or used in sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Potatoes:** 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, but Russet potatoes can also be used, although they will yield a drier result. Ensure potatoes are peeled, it gives a nicer smoother dish.
* **Ham:** 1.5 pounds cooked ham, diced. Leftover ham from a holiday meal is perfect for this recipe! You can also use a ham steak or deli ham, diced into bite-sized pieces. Smoked ham adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and sharpness. White or sweet onions can be substituted.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its pungent aroma and flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. Salted butter can be used, but reduce the amount of salt added later in the recipe.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. The flour is used to create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
* **Milk:** 3 cups whole milk. Whole milk provides the richest and creamiest sauce. Lower-fat milk can be used, but the sauce may be thinner.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, cheesy flavor. Mild or medium cheddar cheese can be used for a milder flavor.
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, melty texture to the dish. Mozzarella cheese can be used as a substitute.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup sour cream. Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the dish. Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute, but it will have a less pronounced flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish. Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but use about half the amount.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional Toppings:** Cooked bacon crumbles, green onions, chives, paprika.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. Peel the potatoes and dice them into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the cubes are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy.
4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce**

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Assemble the Dish**

1. Add the cooked potatoes and diced ham to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to combine, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

**Step 5: Bake (Optional)**

While this dish can be served straight from the skillet, baking it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. To bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the ham and cheesy potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, if desired.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish the Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner with fresh parsley, cooked bacon crumbles, green onions, or chives, if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some tips and variations to customize it to your liking:

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile. A smoky Gouda would be particularly delicious!
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms would be great additions. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding the flour.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
* **Cream Cheese:** For an extra creamy sauce, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the cheese sauce along with the sour cream.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the roux.
* **Ham Substitutions:** If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** While this recipe is best prepared on the stovetop and in the oven, it *can* be adapted for a slow cooker. However, the potatoes may become softer and less distinct. To adapt, follow steps 1 and 2. Then, combine all ingredients (except for the cheese toppings) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Top with additional cheese, if desired, and cook until melted.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve this Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with crusty bread or rolls.

Detailed Nutritional Information (Estimated)

*Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* **Serving Size:** Approximately 1 cup
* **Calories:** 450-550
* **Fat:** 25-35g
* **Saturated Fat:** 15-20g
* **Cholesterol:** 100-120mg
* **Sodium:** 800-1000mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
* **Fiber:** 3-5g
* **Sugar:** 5-8g
* **Protein:** 20-25g

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth to the dish before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Troubleshooting

* **Sauce is too thick:** Add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
* **Sauce is too thin:** Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened.
* **Potatoes are mushy:** Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. Cook them until they are fork-tender, but not falling apart.
* **Dish is too dry:** Add a little more cheese sauce or sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I use sweet potatoes in this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes. However, the flavor profile will be different. Sweet potatoes will add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: While you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. The sauce might also separate a bit. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For best results, shred your own cheese.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding some cooked mushrooms or other vegetables to add more substance to the dish.

**Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?**
A: Use lower-fat milk, reduce the amount of cheese, and substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also add more vegetables to the dish.

Conclusion

This Ham and Cheesy Potato Dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature version of this classic comfort food. Happy cooking!