Cozy Baked Potatoes Cheese Ham

Featured in: Quick Comfort Plates

This dish combines thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory ham, creamy Gruyère cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, seasoned with fresh thyme and nutmeg. Baked until golden and bubbling, it offers a cozy and hearty flavor perfect for chilly days. The layers create a delightful blend of textures and tastes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch before serving.

Prepare it easily with simple ingredients and basic tools, making it an ideal main course to share. Variations include swapping ham for mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist, or trying different cheeses like Emmental or Comté.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:35:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable: creamy, cheesy potatoes and ham are baked to perfection. Pin It
Golden, bubbly Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable: creamy, cheesy potatoes and ham are baked to perfection. | platefullyjoy.com

A cozy, comforting baked platter featuring tender potatoes, creamy cheese, savory ham, and a hint of herbs—perfect for sharing on a chilly day.

I have fond memories of making this with my family during winter weekends, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 800 g peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Gruyère cheese: 200 g grated
  • Heavy cream: 200 ml
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g for greasing and dotting
  • Cooked ham: 150 g diced
  • Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp adjust to taste
  • Nutmeg: Pinch
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a medium-sized baking dish.
Step 2:
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Top with half the onions, garlic, ham, and Gruyè. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3:
Add the remaining potatoes, onion, ham, and cheese in a second layer. Season again.
Step 4:
Pour the cream evenly over the entire dish. Dot with remaining butter.
Step 5:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Step 6:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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This dish brings the family together, with everyone eager for seconds and sharing stories by the table.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 520 calories with 32 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy products including milk, cheese, and cream. Contains pork from ham. Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check product labels for allergens.

Tips for Best Results

Use high-quality Gruyère cheese for an authentic flavor. Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Image of a warmly-lit French Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, filled with layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese. Pin It
Image of a warmly-lit French Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, filled with layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese. | platefullyjoy.com

This warm platter is perfect for cozy evenings, delivering comfort in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Gruyère cheese is ideal due to its creamy melt and rich flavor, but Emmental or Comté can be used as tasty alternatives.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Peeling and slicing the potatoes thinly and uniformly helps them cook thoroughly and blend well with the other ingredients.

Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Yes, by using certified gluten-free ingredients, this dish can be made gluten-free without compromising flavor.

What herbs provide the best flavor profile?

Fresh thyme complements the creamy and savory elements beautifully, while a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth.

Cozy Baked Potatoes Cheese Ham

Tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and savory ham baked together with herbs for a warm, comforting dish.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1.76 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 7 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
02 6.8 fl oz heavy cream
03 1 oz unsalted butter, for greasing and dotting

Meats

01 5.3 oz cooked ham, diced

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
02 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 1/2 tsp salt, adjusted to taste
04 Pinch of nutmeg

Optional

01 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare oven and dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter a medium baking dish approximately 8x12 inches.

Step 02

Assemble first layers: Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced ham, and grated Gruyère on top. Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 03

Add second layers: Layer the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, and cheese over the first. Repeat seasoning evenly over the top.

Step 04

Add cream and butter: Pour heavy cream uniformly across the assembled layers. Dot the surface with remaining unsalted butter.

Step 05

Bake covered then uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes more, until golden and bubbling.

Step 06

Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to garnish.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x12 inch baking dish
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream) and may contain lactose
  • Contains pork (ham)
  • Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free; verify labels

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 520
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 22 g