Cheesy Potato and Leek Gratin with Ham
This delicious Cheesy Potato and Leek Gratin with Ham is a family favorite that blends comfort and health seamlessly. Adapted from a light cooking inspiration, I made this dish lighter yet packed with flavor, perfect for gatherings of all sizes. With layers of tender red potatoes, sautéed leeks, and savory diced ham, all generously enveloped in a creamy, Dijon-infused sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat, and enjoy a bubbly, golden-brown gratin that your family will rave about.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Potatoes
8 (peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
Leeks
6 (sliced)
Cooking Spray
as needed (for coating the pan)
Fat Free Chicken Broth
2 cups (liquid)
Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Flour
1/2 cup (for thickening the sauce)
Skim Milk
2 cups (for creaminess)
Diced Ham
3 cups (about 1 lb, cooked)
Shredded Gruyere or Swiss Cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Peel and slice the red potatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds, then place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes until tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large frying pan, coat the bottom with cooking spray and add the sliced leeks. Cook over medium heat, covered, for about 10 minutes or until soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In the same pan, combine the fat-free chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and ground pepper. Stir until well blended.
5
Whisk in the flour and then add the skim milk. Stir continuously and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cook until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
6
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of the milk mixture into the bottom of the dish.
7
Layer 2 1/3 cups of the potato slices on top of the milk mixture. Next, add 1 1/2 cups of the diced ham, followed by 1 cup of the cooked leeks, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.
8
Repeat the layering process using the remaining ingredients: potatoes, ham, leeks, and cheese.
9
Finish by placing the remaining potato slices on top and pouring the rest of the milk mixture over everything. Top with the remaining cheese.
10
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
35g
Carbs
15g
Protein
3g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Potato and Leek Gratin with Ham?
It is a comforting, healthy casserole made with layered red potatoes, sautéed leeks, and diced ham in a creamy Dijon-infused sauce.
What type of potatoes should I use for this gratin?
The recipe calls for 8 red potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
How do I prepare the potatoes before baking?
Peel and slice the potatoes, then boil them for about 10 minutes until tender but not fully cooked before draining.
How many leeks are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 sliced leeks.
How should the leeks be cooked?
Sauté the sliced leeks in a pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat for 10 minutes until they are soft.
What kind of ham is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 3 cups (approximately 1 lb) of cooked, diced ham.
Which cheese is best for the topping?
Shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese are recommended for this gratin.
How much cheese is required in total?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is made from fat-free chicken broth, Dijon mustard, ground pepper, flour, and skim milk.
How do you thicken the gratin sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking 1/2 cup of flour into a mixture of broth and milk and bringing it to a boil.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How do I layer the gratin?
Layer sauce, then potatoes, ham, leeks, and cheese; repeat the process and finish with a top layer of potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 280 calories per serving.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it contains only 7g of fat per serving and uses skim milk and fat-free broth.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 15g of protein.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a make-ahead dish that can be popped into the oven when you are ready to eat.
What provides the primary seasoning for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fat-free chicken broth.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of skim milk.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is a very low sugar content of 1g per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
Each serving provides 3g of fiber.
How do I know when the gratin is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
Are the potatoes peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the red potatoes should be peeled.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include one dish meal, gratin, potato, leek, ham, cheese, comfort food, family recipe, make ahead, and healthy.
How much ham goes into the first layer?
The first layer of ham uses 1 1/2 cups of the total diced ham.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim?
While the recipe specifies skim milk to keep it light, you could use whole milk, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.