Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 pound ham, cut into matchsticks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound tater tots, fried
• 8 ounces purple pearl onions, peeled
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, pulled into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup banana pepper rings

Instructions

1. Add the 4 tablespoons butter to a large heavy-bottomed saucepot over medium-high heat. In batches, fry the ham until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add half of the fried ham back to pot; reserve the remainder for garnish. Whisk in the flour and cook for 4 to 5 minutes to create a medium-dark roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, bring to a low simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened, 5 minutes. Season with the paprika and 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions, and sear briefly. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook on all sides for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated and onions are tender, 4 minutes.
5. For each serving, place one-quarter of the tater tots on a heat-proof serving plate. Scatter 1/4 cup of the mozzarella pieces over the tater tots. Add 1 cup of the ham gravy, one-quarter of the braised onions and 1/2 cup of the pepper jack cheese. Place under the broiler; broil until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with some of the sliced banana peppers and reserved fried ham.