Emeril's Potato Casserole

Submitted by Erinplus3

"This is a family favorite."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 lb diced ham
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)

directions

1. Make sure the oven rack is in the center position and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
2. Place the potato nuggets in a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes. Using oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the dish from the oven and turn the Tater Tots with tongs. Return the dish to the oven and bake until crisp, about another 15 minutes. Using the mitts or pot holders, remove the dish from the oven.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 375ºF.
4. In a medium, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the onion, salt, and pepper, and cook until soft, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally with a large wooden spoon.
6. Incorporate the ham and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
7. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
8. Pour in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
9. Using the mitts or pot holders, remove the saucepan from the heat and add 2 cups of the cheese. Stir until thoroughly combined.
10. Pour the milk mixture over the Tater Tots and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
11. Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
12. Using the mitts or pot holders, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Reviews

[Patty C.]

This was good for a side buffet with brunch. I followed recipe as written. No left overs on this. Next time I will ad carmelized onion to it. Thank you great idea.

 

[Anonymous]

Excellent! I added baby Bella mushrooms, half Gouda and half cheddar, subbed half and half for whole milk and the last 5 minutes of baking topped with chopped green onion! Delicious!

 

[janiedavis896]

Emeril is my hero! This sounds delicious!!

 

[*Parsley*]

Easy and delicious. I used 1 lb of diced ham, but otherwise made no changes. Great kid-pleaser. Thanx for sharing!

 

[Chipfo]

Very good, we loved. The only thing I might add in the future is mushrooms, not that it needs it, I just love mushrooms. Thanks for the recipe!