Potato and Ham Casserole

This hearty and delicious potato and ham casserole offers a warm, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese creates a rich and flavorful experience. A mix of spices like cumin, thyme, and oregano adds depth and aroma to the dish while enhancing its taste. The creamy texture from the milk and cheese is perfectly balanced with the crispiness of the bread crumbs providing a delightful contrast. This casserole is not only satisfying and filling but also simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. It's a great opportunity to use leftover ingredients and customize it according to your taste preferences. With a prep time of just twenty minutes and a cooking time of fifty-five minutes, this recipe is time-efficient yet full of taste. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish will likely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg starchy potatoes
• 200 g sliced, cooked ham
• 200 g onions
• 1/2 stale bread roll (or substitute with bread crumbs)
• 100 g Raclette cheese (or substitute with cream cheese)
• 3 eggs
• 3/8 l milk

Spices

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• Grated nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Additional

• 2 tbsp butter

Preparation Time

Total Time: 75 minutes (Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 55 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Wash potatoes thoroughly and place them in a pot with cumin.
2. Cover with water until fully submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and boil for approximately 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Slice the onions into thin rings.
4. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion rings and sauté until they become translucent.
5. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
6. Dice the ham into small cubes.
7. Grate the stale bread roll or prepare bread crumbs.
8. Grate the cheese coarsely and mix with the breadcrumbs.
9. In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with milk. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
10. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
11. Grease a baking dish generously with butter.
12. Drain the potatoes, peel them and cut into slices.
13. Layer the potato slices in the greased baking dish, interspersing them with layers of onion and ham.
14. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
15. Sprinkle the cheese and bread crumb mixture on top to form a crust.
16. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
17. If the top starts to darken too quickly, cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning.
18. Before serving, allow the casserole to cool slightly so it holds its shape when sliced.
19. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

Tips

• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor, such as cheddar, for an extra cheesy taste.
• Substitute ham with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
• If lactose intolerant, consider using lactose-free milk and cheese options.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 46g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap ham with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Lower Fat: Opt for low-fat milk and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad.
• Add roasted vegetables on the side.
• Serve with a light soup as an appetizer.

Best Places

1. Café de Paris - Known for its exceptional European cuisine with a warm setting. Location: 12 Rue de Marignan, Paris, France.
2. The Cheese Bar - Famous for its varied cheese menu and cozy atmosphere. Location: Camden Market, London, UK.
3. Old Europe Bistro - Offers authentic European dishes in a rustic setting. Location: 3275 Bay Rd, Miami, USA.
4. Biergarten Riegele - Renowned for its hearty dishes and traditional ambiance. Location: Frölicherstr. 26, Augsburg, Germany.
5. Le Chalet Savoyard - Acclaimed for its cheese specialties and homey feel. Location: Rue d'Aligre, Paris, France.
6. Zweirad - Celebrated for its fusion menu and vibrant decor. Location: Löwengasse 42, Vienna, Austria.
7. The Swiss House - Offers a taste of Switzerland with a modern twist. Location: 8500 Panzió utca 1, Budapest, Hungary.
8. Alps Restaurant - Known for traditional dishes in an alpine chalet atmosphere. Location: Seefeldstrasse 181, Zurich, Switzerland.
9. Le Quercy - Praised for its French country dishes. Location: 33 Rue Malar, Paris, France.
10. Das Bootshaus - Offers European flavors with lakeside views. Location: Am Gestade 1, Vienna, Austria.