Best 3 Ham Potato Onion Gratin Julia Child Recipes

Julia Child is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of French cuisine in America and a legendary figure in the world of culinary arts. Her approach to cooking was characterized by a focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and her recipes often reflected the traditional techniques and flavors of French cooking. One of her most renowned dishes, ham potato onion gratin, is a delicious and comforting casserole that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, caramelized onions, and a creamy sauce in a delightful gratin crust. This article delves into the history, flavor, and cooking methods of Julia Child's ham potato onion gratin, offering step-by-step instructions and tips to help you create this classic dish in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to impress your family and friends, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to replicate this culinary masterpiece.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

GRATIN OF POTATOES, HAM, EGGS & ONIONS (JULIA CHILD)

Gratin of Potatoes, Ham, Eggs & Onions (Julia Child) image

Another yummy-sounding recipe that I am posting for safekeeping. This is baked in an 11-12 inch baking dish or skillet about 2 inches deep or individual baking dishes about 6 inches in diameter.

Provided by coconutty

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 cup finely minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely diced cooked ham
4 eggs
1/2 crushed garlic clove
2 tablespoons chives or 2 tablespoons chervil
2/3 cup grated swiss cheese
4 tablespoons light cream or 4 tablespoons milk
1 pinch pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium potatoes (about 10 ounces)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon butter, cut into pea-sized dots

Steps:

Adjust oven rack to upper third of oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook the onions in the oil and butter over low heat for about 5 minutes, til tender but not browned.
Raise heat slightly, stir in ham, and cook a moment longer.
Beat eggs in a mixing bowl with garlic, herbs, cheese, cream or milk, and seasonings.
Add in the ham and onions; mix.
Peel and coarsely grate potatoes. Squeeze the water out of the grated potatoes, a handful at a time.
Stir potatoes into egg mixture. Check seasoning. (May be prepared in advance up to this point.).
Heat the butter in the baking dish. When it foams, add potato and egg mixture. Place dots of butter on top.
Bake 30-40 minutes, or until top is nicely browned. Serve directly from the baking dish or skillet.

HAM, POTATO, ONION GRATIN JULIA CHILD

HAM, POTATO, ONION GRATIN JULIA CHILD image

Categories Casserole/Gratin Ham

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 cup finely minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely diced cooked ham
4 eggs
1/2 crushed garlic clove
2 tablespoons minced parsley or 2 tablespoons chives or 2 tablespoons chervil
2/3 cup grated swiss cheese
4 tablespoons whipping cream or 4 tablespoons light cream or 4 tablespoons milk
1 pinch pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium potatoes (about 10 ounces)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon butter, cut into pea-sized dots

Steps:

Directions: 1 Adjust oven rack to upper third of oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2 Cook the onions in the oil and butter over low heat for about 5 minutes, til tender but not browned. 3 Raise heat slightly, stir in ham, and cook a moment longer. 4 Beat eggs in a mixing bowl with garlic, herbs, cheese, cream or milk, and seasonings. 5 Add in the ham and onions; mix. 6 Peel and coarsely grate potatoes. Squeeze the water out of the grated potatoes, a handful at a time. 7 Stir potatoes into egg mixture. Check seasoning. (May be prepared in advance up to this point.). 8 Heat the butter in the baking dish. When it foams, add potato and egg mixture. Place dots of butter on top. 9 Bake 30-40 minutes, or until top is nicely browned. Serve directly from the baking dish or skillet.

HAM AND POTATO AU GRATIN, MAKE AHEAD

Ham and Potato Au Gratin, Make Ahead image

Make and share this Ham and Potato Au Gratin, Make Ahead recipe from Food.com.

Provided by nleewebb

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 yukon gold potatoes
2 carrots
1/2 onion
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 dash cayenne
1 dash nutmeg
1 dash salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, set aside until baking process
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, set aside until baking process

Steps:

Clean potatoes and pat dry. Place on microwave safe plate and microwave 5-10 minutes, or until soft to the touch. Set aside.
Wash and peel carrots. Grate and set aside. Slice onion very thinly.
In medium saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion, shredded carrots, and minced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, or until onion is clear. Watch carefully, but stir only at end of sauté.
Lower heat to medium-low, and stir in spices. Stir for a minute then stir in flour. Stir an additional minute to cook the raw taste out of flour. (can use 1 T cornstarch instead of flour.).
Add milk to onion mixture, slowly bringing sauce to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Turn heat to low and add cheese. Stir until combined, then turn of heat, leaving pan on stove.
Grease or spray 1 1/2 quart casserole. Thinly slice potatoes, leaving skin on. Place 1/4 potato in dish. Sprinkle with 1/3 cubed ham. Top with 1/4 potato slices. Pour 1/2 sauce over. Continue by toping with 1/4 potato, 1/2 cubed ham, remaining potato slices and cover with remaining cheese sauce. Cover and refrigerate, 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover dish with foil, and bake for 30 minute Remove foil and sprinkle with an addition cup of shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese melted and lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.2, Fat 27.1, SaturatedFat 15.9, Cholesterol 79, Sodium 455.5, Carbohydrate 29.7, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 2.4, Protein 19.2

Tips:

Use a good quality ham with a smoky flavor. Country ham or prosciutto would be great choices.
Slice the potatoes and onions thinly and evenly so that they cook evenly.
Don't overcrowd the pan when you're browning the potatoes and onions. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for browning the potatoes and onions. This will help prevent them from burning.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes and onions. They should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to them.
Use a good quality Gruyère cheese. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the ham and potatoes.
Bake the gratin until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Ham, potato, and onion gratin is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender potatoes, and smoky ham, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.