Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce
A comforting baked casserole featuring tender potatoes and ham layered in a creamy Dijon-infused sauce, topped with golden cheese. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes blends unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups, diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 large peeled russet potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender, then drain well and return to the pot.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until smooth, then cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Return to low heat and simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: While sauce simmers, mash the drained potatoes with a potato masher until mostly smooth. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham. Stir in the hot sauce until evenly incorporated.
- Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Potato and Ham Casserole with Dijon Cream Sauce?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.