Cheesy Potato and Ham Squares π₯π§π₯
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 692.5 per serving
Description:
This potato casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser! π Bursting with cheesy goodness and savory ham, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. You can even customize it with your favorite cheeses and meats to create your signature flavor. So get ready for a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! π½οΈ
Ingredients:
- 8 russet potatoes π₯
- 1/3 cup butter π§
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped πΏ
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded π§ (you can also use cheddar for a twist!)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced π₯ (or swap with crispy bacon for a different flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped π§
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 eggs π₯
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for sprinkling
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat Oven |
| – | Set your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole. π‘οΈ |
| 2 | Prepare Baking Dish |
| – | Butter an 8-inch square baking dish, ensuring a nice coating for easy serving later. π½οΈ |
| 3 | Cook Potatoes |
| – | In a saucepan, boil the russet potatoes in salted water for about 20-25 minutes until they are very tender. Drain them well. π₯ |
| 4 | Mash Potatoes |
| – | Mash the cooked potatoes in a large bowl with the butter, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. π₯ |
| 5 | Create Potato Shell |
| – | Spread about 4 cups of the mashed potato mixture on the bottom and up the sides of the greased baking dish, creating a shell. π₯£ |
| 6 | Prepare Filling |
| – | In another bowl, combine the Swiss cheese (or cheddar if using), diced ham (or bacon), finely chopped onion, and garlic powder. Mix everything together. π§ |
| 7 | Add Filling to Potato Shell |
| – | Spoon the cheese and ham mixture into the potato shell, spreading it evenly. This layer adds a burst of flavor to every bite! π |
| 8 | Prepare Egg Mixture |
| – | In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cheese and ham layer. π³ |
| 9 | Top with Remaining Potatoes |
| – | Now, top the casserole with the remaining mashed potato mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the filling. π₯ |
| 10 | Sprinkle Paprika |
| – | Sprinkle some paprika over the top for that beautiful golden color and extra flavor. β¨ |
| 11 | Bake to Perfection |
| – | Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. π |
| 12 | Let it Rest |
| – | Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This helps the flavors meld together. β²οΈ |
| 13 | Serve and Enjoy! |
| – | Slice into squares, serve warm, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of these Potato and Ham Squares! π΄ |
Notes:
- You can get creative with this recipe! Try using different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ham or bacon and add in some sautΓ©ed veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
- This casserole reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for leftovers. Simply pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color before serving! πΏ
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 692.5
- Fat: 35.1g
- Saturated Fat: 19.9g
- Cholesterol: 233.5mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Carbohydrates: 65.1g
- Fiber: 7.8g
- Sugar: 4.3g
- Protein: 30.6g
So there you have it, a deliciously cheesy and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal! Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a potluck with friends, these Cheesy Potato and Ham Squares are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and let the compliments roll in! π
