country ham and potato bake

Rich and creamy Country Ham and Potato Bake is pure southern comfort food. Delicious chunks of ham, bathed in a rich cream sauce under a melted layer of cheese is great for brunch or dinner, and this recipe can be made ahead!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced small
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1-1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups country ham, cut into bite-size chunks (I used a fully cooked, spiral sliced smoked ham)
• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes (about 5 cups), sliced 1/4-inch-thick with a sharp knife or on a mandoline
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and saute until almost clear, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and stir until combined. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, the cayenne and mustard powder. Whisk in the milk. Allow to cook and thicken slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
3. Line the baking dish with a layer of the ham chunks, then a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes, then about 2/3 cup sauce. Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used. You should have 3 sets of layers, ending with the sauce on top. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and cover with foil. Bake until the potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.
4. Remove the foil and switch on the broiler.. Broil until the cheese is getting bubbly and browned, about 3 minutes. Watch carefully to not allow it to burn.Garnish with parsley and allow to cool slightly before serving..

Recipe Adapted From .mustlovehome.com