Handwritten recipe for French Ham Bake
by: salvagedrecipes

French Ham and Potato Bake with Monterey Jack Cheese

French Ham Bake
This creamy French Ham Bake is a comforting layered casserole of thinly sliced ham and potatoes, enriched with a blend of whipping cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Monterey Jack cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it's the kind of rustic, hearty dish you'd find at a cozy bistro or on a family dinner table during colder months. The fusion of creamy and tangy elements with the savory saltiness of ham makes this bake irresistibly flavorful and ideal for potlucks, brunches, or comforting weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baked ham (thinly sliced)
  • 7 potatoes (medium, thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (heaping)
  • 6 oz Monterey Jack cheese (grated (about 1½ cups))

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

  • Starting and ending with potatoes, alternate layers of thinly sliced potatoes and ham in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make Cream Mixture

  • In a bowl, combine whipping cream, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Add Cream Mixture

  • Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake First Round

  • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish Baking

  • Uncover, top with grated Monterey Jack cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Tips

  • Use smoked ham for deeper flavor.
  • Add sautéed onions or leeks between layers for sweetness.
  • Substitute Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more traditional French flair.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for warmth.
  • Use half-and-half instead of whipping cream for a lighter casserole.
  • Swap a portion of potatoes with thinly sliced rutabaga or parsnips.
  • Add fresh herbs such as thyme or tarragon.
  • Make ahead: assemble earlier in the day and bake before serving.
  • For a crisp top, broil the cheese for the last 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 21gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 845mgPotassium: 1004mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 652IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 2mg
Keyword casserole, comfort food, comforting dinner, creamy potatoes, ham bake, heirloom meals, just like grandma, vintage recipes
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