Melted Cheese & Ham Potato Roast
An Irresistible Comfort Dish That Melts in Your Mouth
If you’re a fan of cozy, homemade dishes that warm the soul and satisfy your cravings, this Melted Cheese & Ham Potato Roast is a must-try. With golden grated potatoes, creamy cheese, savory ham, and a touch of garlic and onion, it’s a rich and flavorful bake that’s perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines the crispiness of grated potatoes with the smooth melt of cheese and the smokiness of ham. Baked slowly until golden and bubbly, every bite delivers texture, comfort, and flavor. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require complicated steps, and uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
- 200 g ham, diced (you can use smoked or cooked ham)
- 200 g shredded cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 200 ml thick fresh cream (crème fraîche or heavy cream)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Butter or oil, for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready once your mixture is prepared.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Grate the peeled potatoes using the large holes of a grater. Transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze tightly to remove as much water as possible. This step ensures your roast has a crispy texture and doesn’t turn soggy during baking.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with chopped onion, minced garlic, diced ham, shredded cheese, and the fresh cream. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined and coated in cream and cheese.
4. Fill the Baking Dish
Grease a loaf pan, cake tin, or medium-sized baking dish with butter or oil. Spoon in the mixture, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to eliminate air pockets and compact the layers.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, crispy, and bubbling.
6. Let it Rest
Allow the roast to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the dish set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
7. Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Variations
- Dry potatoes well to ensure a non-watery result.
- Add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, grated zucchini, leftover roast chicken, or cooked bacon work great.
- Cheese variations: sharp cheddar, Reblochon, or Comté for deeper flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the day before, refrigerate overnight, and reheat before serving.
- Vegetarian version: Omit ham and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Serving Ideas
- As a main meal: Serve thick slices with a salad or cooked greens.
- As a brunch dish: Pair with eggs and toast.
- For parties: Cut into squares and serve as an appetizer.
- For lunchboxes: Keeps well and tastes great reheated.
Why You’ll Love It
- Golden crust + cheesy interior
- Rich, savory, and satisfying
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect use for leftover ham or cheese
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved
Try this Melted Cheese & Ham Potato Roast once, and it will become a permanent part of your cooking rotation. Simple to make, delicious to eat, and endlessly customizable—it’s the ultimate feel-good food.