Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham Recipe

Introduction:

Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham is a classic French dish that’s sure to delight any chef. It features creamy, cheesy potatoes with savory ham, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. We will show you why chefs will love this recipe, including the ingredients, instructions, serving size, cooking tips, and much more.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Additional Spices to Enhance Flavor:

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (for a tangy twist)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (for an earthy note)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the onion, ham, and garlic over the potatoes.
3. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potato layer in the baking dish. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onion, ham, garlic, and cheese sauce.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
6. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Size:

8 servings

Cooking Tips:

• Use a mandolin slicer for even, thin potato slices.
• For a crispier topping, sprinkle additional grated cheese over the dish during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serving and Side Suggestions:

• Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.

Variations:

• Substitute bacon or pancetta for the ham for a different twist on the recipe.
• Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Use cheddar or Swiss cheese in place of Gruyere and/or Parmesan.
• Substitute whole milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Leftover Suggestions:

• Use leftovers as a filling for a breakfast omelette or frittata.
• Create a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with Potatoes Au Gratin and ham as the filling.

Health Benefits:

• Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese.
• Ham is a good source of high-quality protein and contains essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium.
• Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses provide calcium and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones and teeth.

Nutrition Information

(per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

RDA Values

(based on a 2,000 calorie diet):

• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 25%
• Calcium: 30%
• Iron: 10%

Shopping List:

• Russet potatoes (4 large)
• Small onion (1)
• Heavy cream (2 cups)
• Gruyere cheese (1 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup)
• Cooked ham (1 cup)
• Garlic (2 cloves)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Nutmeg
• Optional additional spices: cayenne pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, ground coriander

Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham is a delectable dish that offers a range of flavors and textures. Chefs will appreciate the versatility of the recipe, as it can be easily adjusted and enhanced to suit individual tastes. With its rich, satisfying taste and numerous health benefits, this dish is sure to become a favorite among chefs and diners alike.