Cozy baked cheese ham

Featured in: Homestyle Bakes

This warm baked platter combines tender sliced potatoes layered with creamy Gruyère cheese and diced ham, seasoned with fresh thyme and black pepper. Cream is poured over the layers before baking until golden and bubbling. The dish rests briefly before serving, garnished optionally with fresh parsley. It’s a simple yet satisfying comfort dish that balances savory and creamy flavors, perfect for colder days. Variations include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist and different cheese options like Emmental.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:40:00 GMT
A comforting French Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, bubbly with melted Gruyère cheese and savory ham. Save
A comforting French Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, bubbly with melted Gruyère cheese and savory ham. | pumpkinvale.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.

This dish reminds me of cozy family dinners during cold winters where everyone gathered around the table with warm smiles.

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
  • Thyme leaves: 1 tsp fresh
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp freshly ground
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp adjust to taste
  • Nutmeg: Pinch
  • Parsley (optional): 1 tbsp chopped fresh for garnish

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a medium-sized baking dish.
First layer:
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Top with half the onions, garlic, ham, and Gruyère. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Second layer:
Add the remaining potatoes, onion, ham, and cheese in a second layer. Season again.
Add cream and butter:
Pour the cream evenly over the entire dish. Dot with remaining butter.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Rest:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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| pumpkinvale.com

Sharing this dish has always brought my family closer, sparking stories and laughter around the dinner table.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 520 calories with 32 grams of fat and 22 grams of protein.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (milk cheese cream) and may contain lactose. Contains pork (ham). Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Required Tools

Baking dish approx 20x30 cm Chefs knife Cutting board Grater Mixing bowl Foil

Golden-brown Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, a baked potato and ham dish, ready to serve with fresh parsley. Save
Golden-brown Plateau Moufle Chaud et Confortable, a baked potato and ham dish, ready to serve with fresh parsley. | pumpkinvale.com

With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to warm your heart and home.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure all ingredients, especially processed ones like ham and cream, are certified gluten-free. The core ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and herbs are naturally gluten-free.

Can I substitute the ham for a vegetarian option?

Yes, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to maintain rich flavors without meat.

What cheeses work well besides Gruyère?

Emmental or Comté are excellent alternatives that melt smoothly and complement the dish's creamy texture.

How should I prepare the potatoes for even cooking?

Peel and slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.

What is the purpose of dotting butter before baking?

Adding small butter dots on top helps achieve a golden, rich surface and adds moisture during baking.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, but bake fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Cozy baked cheese ham

Comforting baked layers of potatoes, cheese, ham, and herbs, ideal for sharing on cold days.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Time Needed
60 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace

Recipe Type Homestyle Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Information None specified

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 1.76 lb 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, adjust to taste
04 Pinch of nutmeg

Optional

01 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Assemble first layer: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish. Spread half of the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced ham, and grated Gruyère over the potatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 03

Add second layer: Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, and cheese. Season again with the same spices.

Step 04

Pour cream and dot with butter: Evenly pour the heavy cream over the layered ingredients. Scatter the remaining butter in small pieces on top.

Step 05

Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until the ingredients meld and soften.

Step 06

Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 07

Rest and garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Medium baking dish (approx. 8x12 inches)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream) and pork (ham). May contain lactose. Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 520
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 22 g