Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Components

01 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, for sautéing
02 - 1 yellow onion, freshly diced
03 - 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
04 - 6 cups frozen shredded potatoes (about 1 pound)

→ Creamy Sauce

05 - 1/3 cup gluten-free flour blend or regular all-purpose flour
06 - 3 cups milk of your choice (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
07 - 1 teaspoon fine salt, to enhance flavors
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, for seasoning
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for depth
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 2 cups diced ham, pre-cooked
12 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided for filling and topping)
13 - Fresh green onions, chives, or parsley for garnishing

# Instructions:

01 - Start by getting your oven nice and hot - set it to 400°F. While you're at it, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of cooking spray.
02 - Get your Dutch oven going over medium-high heat and melt that butter. Toss in your diced onion and broccoli pieces - let them cook until they're tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle in the flour and let it cook for a minute to lose that raw flour taste. Now, gradually stream in your milk while whisking constantly. Add all your seasonings and let it come to a gentle boil for just a minute until it thickens up beautifully.
04 - Time to add your potatoes, ham, and 1 cup of that cheese - stir everything together. Transfer this gorgeous mixture to your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes until you get that irresistible golden-brown crust.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe brings together the comfort of scalloped potatoes with the convenience of frozen hash browns for a quick family meal
02 - Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen
03 - Can be prepped ahead and baked when needed