Scoop into bowls or onto plates and serve warm. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; they reheat well in the microwave or covered in the oven.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters, you can leave out the onion and use only mild cheddar cheese so the flavors stay simple and familiar. If your kids are hesitant about visible bits of onion, cook them very finely chopped or even grate a small amount into the sauce so it melts right in.
Kid-friendly serving of casserole with mild cheddar and simple sides
To sneak in some veggies, tuck a thin layer of baby spinach, frozen peas, or finely chopped broccoli between the potato and ham layers; the creamy sauce helps everything go down easy. For a slightly lighter version, use 1% milk and reduce the cheese by half, or swap half the potatoes for thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter over the top for the last 15 minutes of baking. You can also play with flavor by using smoked ham, adding a pinch of smoked paprika, or mixing in a handful of Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese along with the cheddar. For busy nights, assemble the casserole in the morning, cover, and refrigerate; just add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
ADVERTISEMENT
