1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a medium casserole dish, approximately 8 × 10 inches, with butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent the melted cheese from sticking excessively.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
Place the heavy whipping cream in a small bowl.
Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and whisk until combined. The mixture may look thick and slightly lumpy, which is completely fine.
This creamy mixture will melt between the layers and give the finished dish its rich texture.
3. Create the First Layer
Place a layer of sliced ham across the bottom of the casserole dish.
Allow the slices to overlap slightly so there aren't large empty spaces. Tear pieces if necessary to cover the corners.
4. Add the Cheese Mixture
Spoon some of the cream-and-cheese mixture over the ham.
Spread it lightly across the surface. It doesn't need to completely cover every inch because it will melt during baking.
5. Continue Layering
Add another layer of ham.
For the best texture, loosely fold or crumple some of the slices instead of laying them completely flat. Those folds create delicious browned edges as the dish cooks.
Continue alternating ham and the creamy cheese mixture until everything has been used.
Try to finish with a layer of ham.
6. Add the Final Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
This final layer will melt, bubble and develop those beautiful golden-brown spots.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of the oven.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling around the edges and browned in several places.
For an even deeper golden crust, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes, but watch it carefully because the cheese can brown very quickly.
8. Let It Rest
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
This short resting period allows the melted cheese to settle slightly, making the portions easier to serve.
Cut into squares or scoop out individual portions with a spatula.
Serve while everything is still warm and gooey.
Best Ways to Serve It
Continue reading on the next page →
