Cozy Cheese Ham Potatoes

Featured in: Southern Comfort

This hearty baked dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with creamy Gruyère cheese and diced ham, seasoned with fresh thyme, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg. Cream is poured over the layers and the dish is baked until golden and bubbling, creating a cozy, comforting meal perfect for sharing on cold days. Garnished with fresh parsley, it can be adapted with mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian touch.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:14:00 GMT
A golden brown Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, bubbling with melted cheese and savory ham. Save
A golden brown Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, bubbling with melted cheese and savory ham. | epicurestates.com

A cozy, comforting baked platter featuring tender potatoes, creamy cheese, savory ham, and a hint of herbs—perfect for sharing on a chilly day.

I first served this on a cold weekend and it quickly became a family favorite, warming our hearts and stomachs alike.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 800 g peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Gruyère cheese: 200 g grated
  • Heavy cream: 200 ml
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g for greasing and dotting
  • Cooked ham: 150 g diced
  • Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp adjust to taste
  • Nutmeg: pinch
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a medium-sized baking dish.
First Layer:
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Top with half the onions, garlic, ham, and Gruyère. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Second Layer:
Add the remaining potatoes, onion, ham, and cheese in a second layer. Season again.
Add Cream & Butter:
Pour the cream evenly over the entire dish. Dot with remaining butter.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Rest & Garnish:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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| epicurestates.com

This dish brought my family together on cold evenings, making for warm memories and full bellies.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream) and may contain lactose. Contains pork (ham). Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check product labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520 per serving. Total Fat: 32 g. Carbohydrates: 38 g. Protein: 22 g.

Required Tools

Baking dish (approx 20x30 cm), chef s knife, cutting board, grater, mixing bowl, foil.

This delicious Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable features layered potatoes, creamy sauce, and herbs, perfect dinner. Save
This delicious Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable features layered potatoes, creamy sauce, and herbs, perfect dinner. | epicurestates.com

This comforting dish is easy to prepare yet delivers complex flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Gruyère is ideal for its rich flavor and melting properties. Emmental or Comté cheeses are great alternatives to vary the taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ham and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for added texture and flavor.

How should the potatoes be prepared?

Peel and slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking and tender layers throughout the dish.

What are good serving suggestions?

Pair this baked dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine for a well-rounded meal.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, this dish can be enjoyed without gluten.

Cozy Cheese Ham Potatoes

Warm layers of tender potatoes, creamy cheese, savory ham, and herbs baked to golden perfection.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage French

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 1.76 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 7 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
02 6.76 fl oz heavy cream
03 1 oz unsalted butter, for greasing and dotting

Meats

01 5.3 oz cooked ham, diced

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
02 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
04 Pinch of nutmeg

Optional

01 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.

Phase 02

Layer First Half of Ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Evenly distribute half the onions, garlic, ham, and Gruyère over the potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.

Phase 03

Add Remaining Layers: Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onions, ham, and cheese. Season again with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.

Phase 04

Add Cream and Butter: Pour heavy cream evenly over the layered ingredients, then dot with the remaining butter.

Phase 05

Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Phase 06

Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Baking dish (approximately 8x12 inches)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream) and may contain lactose.
  • Contains pork (ham).
  • Gluten-free option if all ingredients are certified gluten-free; always verify product labels.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 22 g