Potato Lasagna

Even with May a day away my husband still gets that craving for comfort food.  He was wanting ham, potatoes, and cheese.  In other words nothing that would be very figure friendly!  We thought about it for a bit and this is what we came up with....it was very yummy.  We even shared what was left in the pan with Grandma and Papa. 

I can see us using left over ham at Christmas or Easter to make this again.  I really was a big hit....both boys loved it....even my lil picky boy!

We had green beans with ours but any veg would be great....even a simple garden salad.

The first thing was to make a béchamel.  Don't let it scare you....it is just a thick white sauce/gravy.

Then I sliced my potatoes.  I cut them long ways...to resemble lasagna noodles.  I used my Pampered Chef slicer....and yes I did use the guard...well kinda.

Now it is time to assemble.  Just remember....there is no wrong way to do this!  I sprayed the bottom of the baking dish with cooking spray...just to make clean up easier later.  Then I began to layer....first potatoes, then ham, cheese and potatoes.  Repeat...ending with potatoes.

Once you have the top layer of potatoes....pour the béchamel over the top....go ahead and push the sides in a bit to make sure that the sauce sinks all through to the bottom.  Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes at 375 degrees.

Remove the foil and top with more cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.  Remove from oven at end of baking time and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving,  This will allow the sauce time to set so it won't run all over your plate.

Now for the recipe....it is more of a process but I will do my best.

 

Potato Lasagna

 

6 russet potatoes, washed

2-3 cups diced ham

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 oz cream cheese

salt and pepper

 

 

1.  Melt butter in saucepan.  Add flour, stir until well combined.  Continue stirring for a minute or so...letting the flour taste disappear.

 

2.  Add milk, whisking well to be sure it is well combined.  Continue to whisk and bring liquid to boil...simmer on low and allow sauce to thicken.  When sauce is thick add cream cheese...as it melts continue stirring until incorporated into sauce.

 

3.  Slice potatoes, ham and grate cheese. 

 

4.  Spray baking dish with cooking spray.  Begin to layer starting with potatoes, then 1/2 of ham, 1 cup of cheese.  Repeat layers ending with a layer of potatoes.

 

5.  Pour white sauce over the potatoes.  Push in the sides to make sure that the sauce reaches the bottom of the pan.

 

6.  Cover with foil and bake 60 minutes at 375 degrees.

 

7.  Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top.  Place back in the oven and  bake an additional 30 minutes without the foil.

 

8.  Allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting to serve.  It will allow the sauce to set up so it won't run.

 

 

We actually topped ours with French fried onions when served....yes...my husband's idea. 

 

 

Enjoy!