Au Gratin Potatoes and Ham

This is truly comfort food. The cheese sauce is so creamy and the combination of cheeses gives it such wonderful flavor. By adding ham, it is a complete meal and a pretty easy meal to fix almost any time.

Ingredients

8 russet potatoes, medium sliced (1/8 to 1/4" thick)
1 yellow onion, diced
6 Tbsp. butter
6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 c. milk
2 c. heavy cream
4 c. cheddar cheese
2 c. shredded Velveta cheese
1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
3 c. smoked ham (I slice it fairly thick and then cut into 1/2 x 1/2" strips)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. I used a cast iron casserole dish, but that is certainly not necessary...just make sure to either spray or butter your dish. 
3. Combine your cheeses and divide in thirds.
4. Layer 1/3 of the potatoes into bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Add 1/3 of your ham and onion and salt and pepper to taste. Generously sprinkle with cheese blend. Repeat for another layer, and top with a final layer with the ham and cheese on the top layer.
5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour whisk constantly for one minute until well combined. Add in the heavy cream and milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and heated all the way through. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until potatoes are done.