If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, look no further than Scalloped Ham & Potatoes. This dish is like the perfect marriage of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s everything you want in a comforting meal, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or as the star of a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to please everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce with layers of savory ham—this is what comfort food dreams are made of. The combination of the cheesy sauce and the salty ham creates a mouthwatering balance, and the potatoes become so soft and flavorful as they bake. The best part? It’s all made in one dish, so you can just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing while you enjoy some downtime. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- Potatoes (preferably russet)
- Cooked ham (diced or in slices)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Butter
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Flour
- Salt & pepper
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but these are the key components that will bring this classic dish to life.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Ham
Start by peeling and thinly slicing your potatoes. You want them to be about 1/8-inch thick for the best texture. If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s the time to use it! Next, dice your cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. Set both aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Now, slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and continue to stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This cheesy sauce is the magic that ties the whole dish together!
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Now it’s time to assemble! Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Start by layering the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of diced ham, and then pour some of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your potatoes, ham, and sauce. Make sure the final layer is a generous amount of sauce and cheese to create a rich, golden topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If the top gets too brown before the potatoes are fully cooked, cover it back with foil and bake a little longer.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set and make it easier to slice. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Scalloped Ham & Potatoes!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes because they break down just enough to thicken the sauce and become tender as they cook.
- Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Thin Layers for Even Cooking: Make sure the potato slices are as even as possible for consistent cooking. The thinner they are, the more evenly they’ll cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Herbs: For a fresh twist, sprinkle in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley between the layers for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and make a vegetarian version with just the potatoes and a handful of veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Use Half-and-Half: If you want to cut back on the richness, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even just use milk for a lighter version.
- Add Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, add crispy crumbled bacon between the layers of potatoes and ham.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Scalloped Ham & Potatoes is a great main dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread to scoop up any leftover creamy sauce. For a more festive meal, it makes an excellent side dish to roast chicken, turkey, or a beef roast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The dish might thicken a bit as it cools, but it will still be just as delicious when reheated.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes until hot.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
4 FAQs
- Can I make Scalloped Ham & Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It might take a few extra minutes to cook since it will be chilled. - Can I use fresh or frozen ham?
Yes, fresh or leftover cooked ham works perfectly. If using frozen ham, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the dish. - Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, fontina, or mozzarella can create a wonderfully gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a savory, salty bite. - Why is my Scalloped Ham & Potatoes too watery?
If your dish turns out too watery, it’s likely because the potatoes released too much moisture. Try to slice your potatoes thinly and layer them evenly. Also, be sure to bake uncovered long enough to allow the sauce to thicken.
Conclusion
Scalloped Ham & Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese makes this dish one you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or enjoying it on a cozy weeknight, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in one of the most comforting dishes you can make!
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Scalloped Ham & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (45 minutes covered, 20-30 minutes uncovered)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Scalloped Ham & Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The potatoes become tender and flavorful as they bake, while the ham adds a savory balance to the rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced or in slices)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes and Ham:
Peel and thinly slice potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and the cheese melts into the sauce. -
Layer the Dish:
Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer sliced potatoes, diced ham, and sauce in the dish, repeating the layers. Make sure the top layer is coated generously with sauce and cheese. -
Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for the best texture and creaminess as they break down during baking, thickening the sauce.
- Sharp cheddar adds a tangy flavor, but other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be used for variation.
- Ensure even potato slices for consistent cooking and even absorption of flavors.
- Herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg