Supreme Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

By KBlacksmith

Ingredients

• SAUCE:
• 4 1/2 c potatoes, thin sliced
• 1 1/2 c diced ham
• 4 slices bacon, diced and sauteed
• 1 med. onion, cut in quarters and thin sliced
• 1 small celery rib, cut in half lengthwise 2X and then fine diced
• 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 1/2 TBSP butter
• 2 !/2 TBSP flour
• 2 c milk
• 1/2 c half & half
• 1 tsp salt, 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 3/4 c grated smoked gouda cheese
• 3/4 c grated white cheddar cheese, 1/4 c for the sauce, 1/2 for the top
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 c grated white cheddar cheese, from above
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Bacon: In a small sauce pan, heat to medium and add the bacon and saute' slowly, no butter or oil needed.
Onions and celery: Now in the same pan with the bacon drippings, just keep 1 tsp. of the drippings, you don't need any more. Just toss out any additional drippings. Saute the onions and celery till tender. It should take 4-5 minutes if on medium heat. Add the bacon, salt and pepper and set aside.
Ham and Potaoes: Just have them thin sliced and diced and ready to go.
Sauce: Ina medium size pot, medium heat, add the butter and melt. Add in the flour and mix well to combine. Cook on medium low until the butter and flour are well combined. Slowly add in the milk and cream while stirring constantly as well as salt and pepper and cayenne. Stir well and cook on medium heat till the sauce begins to thicken. Add in the cheese, gouda and cheddar, stir till melted. If the sauce is a bit thick, just add a little milk. What ever your personal taste on thickness.
CASSEROLE: Spray a 9 X 13 dish with cooking spray. Layer 1/3 potatoes, 1/2 vegetables, 1/2 ham, 1/2 cheese sauce, then repeat. Top with the potatoes and the remaining 1/2 c cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for the topping.
BAKE: i bake mine in a 350 oven for 30 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover and cook another 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.