Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly, preventing any undercooked or burnt areas.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free cooking experience.

Layer the Ingredients:

• Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. This forms the first layer of the casserole, creating a solid base for the other ingredients.
• Follow with half of the sliced onion, half of the ham, and half of the cheddar cheese. This adds layers of flavor and texture, ensuring a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onion, ham, and cheese. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients, creating a cohesive and flavorful casserole.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creates the creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together, adding moisture and flavor.
• Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole. This ensures all layers are coated with the sauce, creating a moist and flavorful dish.

Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly, ensuring a tender and well-cooked casserole.
• Bake for 60 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld, creating a harmonious and delicious dish.
• Uncover the dish, sprinkle with paprika and Parmesan cheese. This adds a crispy, cheesy topping and color, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a crunchy texture.
• Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. This ensures the potatoes are fully cooked and the top is nicely browned, creating a perfect crust.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving (optional). This adds a fresh, vibrant touch, enhancing the presentation and adding a burst of freshness.
• Serve hot. This ensures the casserole is at its best texture and flavor, providing a warm and comforting meal.