Mashed Potatoes with Ham

This recipe came from "Taste of Home's Quick Cooking Annual Recipes 2001". The gal that submitted the recipe uses it as the main dish, not as a side dish. When it is just the four of us, I use it as the main dish. When we've had oodles of company, I've used it as a side dish. This is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It is a nice alternative to ham and scalloped potatoes.

1/2 c finely chopped onion
2 tbls. butter or margarine (divided)
3 1/2 to 4 c hot mashed potatoes (prepared with milk & butter)
1 1/2 c cubed fully cooked ham (you can buy ham already cubed to "Keep it Simple". Today, I am just cutting up a ham steak)
1/4 tsp onion salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 c crushed cornflakes (I've left these out in the past. Still delicious even without)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine onion and 1 tbls of butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes or until tender, stirring once. Add potatoes, ham, onion salt, and pepper. Mix well. Transfer to a greased 1 1/2 qt baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and cornflakes; dot with remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until heated through.