Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 3 cups Whole milk
  • 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 lb Smoked ham, diced

Instructions:

  1. Slice potatoes into uniform rounds, place them in a large bowl, and toss lightly with salt to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Stir in softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and paprika; simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Create layers of sliced potatoes, shredded cheese, and diced ham. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese, then pour the warm sauce evenly over the top.
  4. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is mahogany-colored and bubbling.