Super Easy Potatoes Au Gratin
Serves 6

6 medium baking potatoes
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
 4-5 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 cups fat-free sour cream
3 green onions; chopped
Salt and ground black or red pepper to taste

Cook potatoes in skins, cool. Peel and shred into a large bowl, on a coarse grater. 

Preheat oven to 325ºF.  

Combine 1¼ cups cheese and 3 tablespoons butter in saucepan; heat and stir until cheese is almost melted. Remove from heat.  

Blend in sour cream, onion, salt, and pepper. Fold in potatoes.  Spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Dot with 1-2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.  

Cover with aluminum foil and bake about 20-25 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking about 5-8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned in spots.

Variation:  Instead of grating the potatoes, prepare mashed pototoes your way. Continue with the rest of recipe. 

Ham & Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin
Serves 2-4

2 cups sliced peeled potatoes, cooked
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 tablespoon minced fresh onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons flour
1-1/2 cups Milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
3/4 teaspoon Salt
White or black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley

Combine potatoes, ham and onion in a greased 1-qt casserole; set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter or medium heat; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles. Add cheese, salt and pepper; stir until the cheese melts.

Pour over potato mixture and stir gently to mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.