ULTIMATE CREAMY SCALLOPED POTATOES & HAM

Ultimate Creamy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham image

Provided by Michelle Koletar/Mertz

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 c sliced potatoes (yukon gold or russet)
3 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3 c milk (i prefer whole for these dishes)
1 tsp mustard (any kind)
1/2 lb ham, cut in cubes
1/2 onion
1 Tbsp butter, salt, & pepper
8 oz white sharp cheddar, shredded (optional)
paprika (i always use hungarian)
1 can(s) cream oc hicken soup (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Wash potatoes but don't slice them until ready to bake.
2. Melt butter & get that nice & bubbly & golden. Then, add flour to make a roux. Once nice & bubbly, slowly add milk. Add about a tablespoon of salt. (Note: I like to add some peppercorns to this, but you can just add some ground black pepper instead). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 20 minutes. Add the mustard (you may use ground, if you prefer). Whisk (or stir) well. This will be your "sauce" for the potatoes. If you desire, add a can of cream soup now.
3. While cooking milk mix, saute ham cubes & onion diced in about 1 tablespoon of butter. Drain well.
4. Slice potatoes & lay in casserole or baking pan. Mix in ham & onions, then pour your sauce over top.
5. Stir to mix well. Bake for one hour with lid on; 30 mins with lid off. If adding cheese, I add the last 15 minutes on top to melt. Sprinkle w/ paprika & let sit about 10 mins before digging in. YUMMY!