A rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and broccoli smothered in a velvety cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. This dish is pure comfort food and perfect for a cozy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious homemade cheese sauce makes this dish irresistibly rich.
✔ Hearty & Satisfying – The combination of potatoes, ham, and broccoli is filling and delicious.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
✔ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (warm)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot of salted water, boil the sliced potatoes for about 5 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, whisking continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Once the sauce thickens, reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased baking dish, layer the potato slices evenly on the bottom.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the potatoes.
- Add the broccoli florets on top.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layers, making sure everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.