Smoked Ham and Potato Au Gratin

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 ½ cups milk

2 cups plus a half cup white cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Salt and pepper, to taste

Pinch of cayenne

5 cups russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups cubed Beeler’s smoked ham

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium saucepan melt butter.  When just melted, whisk in flour.  Cook while stirring, 2 to 3 minutes or until flour begins to smell nutty and most of the liquid is absorbed.  Slowly pour in milk, continuing to stir.  Season with salt and pepper and a pinch (or more) of cayenne. Once milk just starts to bubble, turn heat to low and add 2 cups of cheese in 3 parts, stirring between each addition to melt the cheese into the sauce.

In a 2 qt. casserole layer 1/3 of the potatoes, then ½ of the carrots and onions, followed by ½ of the ham.  Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, then repeat.  Finally layer the remaining potatoes over the top.  Pour the cheese sauce over the top and give it a jiggle to distribute throughout. 

Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes.  Remove from the oven and stir.  Sprinkle remaining cheese on the top and bake uncovered 30 minutes more or until the cheese is browned and the potatoes are cooked through.