Scalloped potatoes and ham is the ultimate cozy dish! Creamy layers of tender potatoes and tasty ham are baked together for a rich, cheesy delight that makes everyone smile.
Honestly, it’s one of those meals that doesn’t need any fancy chops. I love making it when I want something hearty but easy. Perfect with a side salad for balance—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work too. If you want to try something different, sweet potatoes can add a nice twist.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham adds wonderful flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, try using sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils as a hearty substitute!
Onion: A small onion gets cooked down to add sweetness, but shallots can also bring out a lovely flavor. For a milder taste, green onions are a great option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives it a robust flavor. Feel free to substitute with Gruyère or Monterey Jack if you want something smoother. For dairy-free, try non-dairy cheese varieties!
How Do I Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce is key for scalloped potatoes. Start by creating a roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
- Stir in flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted for that rich, cheesy goodness!
Give this sauce your attention, and you’ll avoid clumps for a perfect, creamy texture in your dish!
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Onion Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s nice and soft.
3. Create the Roux:
Next, stir in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes. This helps create a roux, which thickens your sauce. Just keep stirring to avoid any lumps!
4. Add Milk and Thicken:
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and you want it nice and smooth!
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Remove the sauce from heat and add in half (1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it for added flavor.
6. Layer the Potatoes and Ham:
In your prepared baking dish, start layering! Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom, then add half of the diced ham on top.
7. Pour the First Layer of Sauce:
Now, pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes and ham, making sure it covers everything well.
8. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the process with the remaining sliced potatoes and ham, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce on top. Yum!
9. Add Final Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that extra cheesy crust.
10. Bake:
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This helps cook everything through and keeps it moist.
11. Brown the Top:
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling, and the potatoes should be tender when you poke them with a fork.
12. Let it Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the scalloped potatoes and ham rest for about 5 minutes. This helps set everything together before serving.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for a unique flavor. For a dairy-free option, try non-dairy cheese products.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the scalloped potatoes and ham ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or even carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are pre-cooked or thinly sliced so they don’t make your dish watery.
