Inspired by About Southern Food
~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen
Note: My recipe includes more vegetables and more sauce than the original recipe and it needed a longer baking time which I shared below.
3 pounds peeled potatoes, thinly sliced with a mandoline or very sharp knife, about 6 to 8 cups sliced potatoes
5 tablespoons butter or margarine
3/4 cup chopped celery
9 green onions, with about 3 inches of green top, chopped or 1 small leek, just the white and light green parts - chopped.
3/4 cup chopped carrots
2 cups diced cooked ham (I bought 1 pound of Boar’s Head ‘Sweet Slice’ ham in my deli. I had them cut it into 2, ½-inch slices which I diced)
5 tablespoons flour
2-1/2 to 3 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat; add celery, green onions, and carrots. Sauté, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender. Add diced ham.
Add flour, stirring until well blended. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly.
Add 1 cup cheese. Cook until cheese is melted; add more milk if mixture is very thick. In a 2-quart casserole, place a layer of the potatoes, a layer of sauce, then repeat layers. Bake at 325° for approximately 75 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Serves 4 to 6.