Layers of tender potatoes and savory ham soak up a rich, creamy cheese sauce in this Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the kind of comforting family dinner that tastes like home. A final broil gives the top a beautifully crisp finish, making it perfect for Sunday supper or a holiday table centerpiece.

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A golden brown baking dish of creamy Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham, fresh from the oven

Ingredients for Your Cheesy Potatoes with Ham

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this cozy masterpiece. I love using a good-quality, pre-cooked ham—it makes this Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham so simple to pull together on a busy evening.

For the potatoes and ham

Russet Potatoes – Thinly sliced for that perfect, creamy texture.
Cooked Ham – Diced into small, savory bites that add a hearty touch.

Yellow Onion – Finely chopped to melt into the dish and add depth of flavor.

For the cheese sauce

Unsalted Butter – Softened and used to create a rich, velvety base.

All-Purpose Flour – Essential for thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream – The duo that creates an irresistibly creamy sauce.
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, & Ground Nutmeg – Our simple yet essential seasonings.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Shredded and melted into the sauce for maximum cheesiness.

For the topping

Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Fresh ingredients arranged for making Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

Cook Time for Your Holiday Dinner Casserole

This Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham is a true labor of love, but most of the time is hands-off while it bakes to perfection. I often use that time to whip up a simple green salad or steam some green beans. For more inspiration on what to serve alongside, check out our collection of vegetable side dishes.

Step	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	70 minutes
Total Time	90 minutes

How to Make This Savory Potato and Ham Bake

Creating layers of flavor is the secret to a standout baked ham potato casserole. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and use 1 tablespoon of softened butter to evenly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build the First Layer

Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even, single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then evenly distribute the diced ham and finely chopped onion over the potatoes.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth, bubbly paste.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Gradually add the milk and cream to the saucepan while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Assemble the Gratin

Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, ham, and onion in the baking dish. Arrange the remaining potato slices in a single layer on top, then pour the rest of the sauce over them, gently shaking the dish to help the sauce settle into the layers.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Let the gratin rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn a good gratin into a great one. Here are my favorite ways to customize this comfort food au gratin to make it your own.

Cheese Swap: For a different flavor profile, try swapping half the cheddar for Gruyère. Its nutty flavor is divine with the ham and makes for an incredibly rich potato ham au gratin.
Lighter Option: You can create a slightly lighter version by using 2% milk instead of whole milk and half-and-half in place of the heavy cream. The result is still wonderfully creamy.
Perfect Slices: For evenly cooked potatoes, I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer. It gives you those perfect, thin slices that cook through beautifully, just like in our popular smashed potatoes recipe.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option for a holiday dinner casserole. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold. For another great make-ahead side, my butternut squash gratin is always a hit.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While this Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham is certainly a rich indulgence, it also brings some genuine nutritional value to your table. I love knowing that even our comfort food favorites can contribute to a balanced diet when enjoyed as part of special meals.

This savory potato and ham bake provides a good source of protein from the ham and cheese, along with essential nutrients from the potatoes. Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium and vitamin C, while the dairy components contribute calcium for bone health. For those watching their sodium intake, you can reduce the salt and choose a lower-sodium ham.

When planning your overall meal balance, remember that this baked ham potato casserole works beautifully alongside lighter vegetable dishes. I often pair it with simple steamed greens or a bright salad from our collection of healthy Thanksgiving sides to create a well-rounded plate. According to USDA food safety guidelines, properly cooked ham and dairy products provide valuable nutrition when handled and prepared safely.

A Lighter Version of Comfort Food Au Gratin

I know many families are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite dishes with a healthier twist, and this Potatoes Au Gratin recipe adapts beautifully to lighter preparation methods. Over the years, I’ve perfected some simple swaps that maintain all the creamy comfort while reducing the richness.

For a significantly lighter version, try using 2% milk instead of whole milk and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce will still be wonderfully creamy but with less fat content. You can also reduce the cheese by about a quarter cup without sacrificing too much flavor. I sometimes add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce, which enhances the cheesiness perception so you notice the reduction less.

If you’re looking for more lightened-up comfort food ideas, my smothered chicken with creamed spinach uses similar techniques for creating rich flavors with lighter ingredients. Another favorite is our broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken, which gives you that satisfying cheesy experience in a protein-forward dish.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

As someone who loves sharing food with all kinds of eaters, I’ve learned how to adapt my recipes for friends and family with different dietary needs. When my cousin was diagnosed as diabetic, I started experimenting with ways to make our favorite comfort foods more blood sugar friendly without losing their soul-satisfying qualities.

For a diabetic-friendly version of this cheesy potatoes with ham, I sometimes replace half the potatoes with thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower, which have a lower glycemic index. You can also reduce the overall carbohydrate impact by making individual portions in muffin tins for better portion control. If you’re sugar conscious, be sure to check your ham label carefully, as some cured hams contain added sugars that might affect your glucose levels.

For those monitoring their glycemic control, serving smaller portions alongside protein-rich main dishes and non-starchy vegetables can help balance your meal beautifully. Remember, enjoying food is about both nourishment and pleasure, and with a few thoughtful adjustments, this holiday dinner casserole can fit into various eating approaches while still tasting absolutely delicious.

How to Serve Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

I’ll never forget the first time I served this Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham at our family’s Thanksgiving table. My uncle, who usually heads straight for the turkey, took one bite of this creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and declared it his new favorite holiday dish. Now, it’s become our tradition to always have this baking in the oven whenever family gathers.

Beautifully served Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham on a holiday table with festive decorations

This rich potato ham au gratin pairs wonderfully with simple, bright sides that cut through the richness. I love serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green apple salad. For heartier meals, it complements main dishes like garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken or stands proudly alongside other casserole favorites from our chicken casserole collection.

When plating, I always use a wide, shallow bowl to show off those beautiful layers, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully for breakfast with a fried egg on top – a trick my grandmother taught me that I’ve cherished ever since.

Mistakes to Avoid

After years of making this Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham recipe for family and friends, I’ve learned firsthand that even small mistakes can affect your final dish. I’ve had my share of kitchen mishaps—like the time I rushed slicing and ended up with unevenly cooked potatoes—so I want to help you avoid these common pitfalls.

One frequent mistake is slicing potatoes too thickly, which prevents them from becoming tender during baking. Always aim for uniform ⅛-inch slices so they cook evenly in the creamy sauce. Another error is using cheese that doesn’t melt well—sharp cheddar works beautifully, but some pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Don’t forget to let your baked ham potato casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. I learned this lesson when my first attempt turned into a soupy mess because I sliced into it right from the oven. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken properly so you get those perfect, neat layers.

For more tips on avoiding common cooking mistakes, check out my guide to perfect stuffed chicken breasts where I share techniques for even cooking. And remember to follow proper ham storage techniques if you’re preparing ingredients ahead of time to ensure food safety.

How to Store Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

I’ll never forget the Christmas when my mother-in-law secretly packed an entire baking dish of leftover Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham into our car trunk. For three days afterward, we enjoyed the most incredible breakfasts with fried eggs perched atop reheated portions of this savory potato and ham bake—it became our favorite holiday tradition.

To store leftovers, transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this comfort food au gratin freezes beautifully—portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and cover with foil to prevent drying out.

If you’re planning ahead, you can assemble this holiday dinner casserole completely and refrigerate it overnight before baking. The flavors actually deepen when left to meld together! For more make-ahead ideas, explore our collection of chicken pasta bake recipes that also hold up well to advance preparation.

Try This Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham Yourself

I hope this Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine over the years. There’s something magical about how the simple combination of potatoes, ham, and cheese can evoke such warm memories and create new ones around the family table.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special holiday gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this baked cheesy potato ham casserole never fails to satisfy. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—nothing makes me happier than knowing these recipes are creating connections in kitchens far beyond my own.

If you enjoy this rich potato ham au gratin, you might also love our cheesy ranch potatoes for another comforting side dish option. For something with similar elegance but different flavors, try our butternut squash gratin that’s perfect for autumn gatherings. And if you’re looking for more potato inspiration, don’t miss our colcannon mashed potatoes or smashed potatoes for variety at your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

The main difference comes down to cheese! Scalloped potatoes typically feature a creamy sauce without cheese, while au gratin potatoes always include cheese both in the sauce and as a crispy topping. Our Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham recipe uses plenty of sharp cheddar for that signature cheesy crust everyone loves.

What meat goes best with au gratin potatoes?

Ham is absolutely perfect with au gratin potatoes—the smoky saltiness complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. Other great options include roasted chicken, baked pork chops, or even meatloaf. I often serve this as a side with my garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken for a complete comfort meal.

Should I boil potatoes before au gratin?

No need to pre-boil! The potatoes cook perfectly in the creamy sauce during baking. Just slice them uniformly thin—about ⅛-inch thick—so they become tender while the casserole bakes. This one-pan method saves time and allows the potatoes to absorb all that wonderful cheesy flavor.

What is the one trick Michael Symon used to make perfect scalloped potatoes?

Chef Michael Symon’s famous trick involves parcooking the potatoes in the cream mixture before baking. This ensures the potatoes absorb maximum flavor and cook evenly throughout. While our Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham recipe uses a slightly different method, this technique highlights how important it is to properly marry the potatoes and sauce before they hit the oven.

More Comforting Casseroles to Warm Your Soul

Nothing brings people together like a bubbling, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven. Here are more family favorites that turn simple ingredients into memorable meals.

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach – Tender chicken breasts blanketed in rich, garlicky spinach cream sauce.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken – Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with cheesy broccoli filling, baked to golden perfection.

Potato Squash Casserole – A delightful autumn twist combining sweet squash and potatoes in creamy harmony.
Roasted Vegetable Medley – Colorful seasonal vegetables caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.

Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin