A delightful and hearty casserole combining potatoes, ham, eggs, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the upper third.
Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from browning.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Ensure the ham is evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped chives, parsley, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Peel and grate the potatoes. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
Removing moisture helps achieve a crispy texture.
Combine the grated potatoes with the egg mixture, then stir in the cooked onion and ham.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the grated potatoes.
Grease a baking dish with butter and pour in the potato mixture. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Cooling slightly makes it easier to slice and serve.
