Mashed Potatoes with Country Ham and Cheddar

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 3 lb yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (8oz) salted butter, cut into 1/2 in cubes softened
• 3/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
• 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 8 oz aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 large egg yolks
• cooking spray
• 5 oz country ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, about 4 scallions

Preparation

Step 1

preheat oven to 350. place potatoes in a large stockpot. add water to completely cover potatoes and 1 tsp salt. bring to a boil, over high. reduce to medium-low heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with fork, about 10mins. drain and return potatoes to pot. mash potatoes to desired consistency.

add butter, creme fraiche, remaining 3/4 tsp salt and 1 cup of the cheese, stir until just smooth and incorporated. let stand 10 mins.

add egg yolks, and stir until just incorporated.

coat a 2 quart broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray. transfer mashed potato mixture to dish, and smooth top with a rubber spatula. top evenly with remaining 1 cup cheese. bake in preheated oven until potatoes are heated through and cheese has melted, about 20 mins.

Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium high. add ham, and cook until ham is browned and crisp, about 4 mins per side. transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain; let cool 10 mins.

Increase oven temp to high broil; broil potatoes until cheese is bubbly and top is brown and golden, about 2mins.

remove mashed potatoes from oven. crumble crispy ham on top, and sprinkle with scallions. serve hot.