Welcome to Comfort Food Heaven!
Hey there, food lover! If you’re like me, there are days when nothing can beat a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug—like this fantastic recipe for Ultra Soft Roast Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. It’s cheesy, comforting, and super easy to whip up! Not to mention, it comes together in no time and requires just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers a great balance of flavors and nutrients! Potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins like C and B6, plus they provide potassium, which is essential for heart health. The ham adds protein, making this a filling option, and the cheese? Well, that’s just pure comfort in every bite! If you’re concerned about the richness, use low-fat cheese or substitute heavy cream with a lighter milk option. It’s all about making it work for you while still enjoying every cheesy morsel!
Adaptable Variations
Let’s get creative with this dish! Here are some fun ideas to customize it:
- Veggie Lover’s Twist: Add in your favorite veggies! Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers all work wonderfully. Just sauté them a bit before mixing them with the potatoes.
- Cheese Sensation: Mix different types of cheese! Feta or goat cheese can give it a whole new flavor profile, and who can resist a hint of blue cheese for an extra kick?
- Herb It Up: If thyme isn’t your thing, try rosemary or even a bit of sage. Fresh herbs really enhance the dish and bring in beautiful aromas.
Easy Recipe for Ultra Soft Roast Potatoes with Ham and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes
- 8 oz (about 225g) cooked ham, diced or sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the crucial first step to ensure your dish gets that perfect crispy top!
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. The thinner, the better—they’ll cook up nice and soft!
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, diced ham, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated, making sure the flavors mingle together!
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking, ensuring your delicious creation comes out easily!
- Layer the potato and ham mixture in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or milk) and half of the shredded cheese. Pour this creamy goodness over the layered potatoes and ham.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the dish to create a cheesy crust that’ll make your mouth water!
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes—this allows the potatoes to soften beautifully.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil to let that cheese brown. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired and serve warm. Your cozy dish is ready to wow your tastebuds!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Want perfectly soft potatoes? Make sure to slice them evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly and achieve that ultra-soft texture we all love.
- For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be just as tasty the next day—maybe even better!
- Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different types of cheese or blend them to suit your family’s tastes!
- If you’re making this for a gathering, you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it right before serving for that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe!
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of the tools you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
- A sharp knife for slicing the potatoes
- A large mixing bowl
- A greased baking dish (an 8×8 inch or a similar size works great)
- Aluminum foil to cover the baking dish while cooking
- A whisk for blending your cream and cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of potatoes? Absolutely! While Yukon Golds are great, feel free to use red potatoes or any kind you love—just adjust cooking time if needed.
- What if I don’t have ham? No problem! You can substitute it with cooked chicken, bacon, or even just load it up with extra veggies for a meatless option.
- How long does this dish last in the fridge? It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Can it be frozen? Yes! Just make sure you let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 2 months.
- What can I serve it with? This dish goes wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal.
I hope you enjoy making this cheesy, comforting, and oh-so-easy dish! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you’re looking for more delicious recipes or tips, follow me on Pinterest and let’s inspire each other with the joy of cooking!
