Creamy Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Recipe: A Homestyle Favorite

My grandma’s classic scalloped ham and potatoes recipe always sparks excitement around our family dinner table.

Layers of tender potato slices nestled between savory ham create a mouthwatering comfort dish.

creamy sauce binds each delectable ingredient together with rich, cheesy goodness.

Every forkful promises warm, hearty satisfaction that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients come together in an unexpectedly elegant meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the golden, bubbling surface packed with incredible flavor.

She guarantees you’ll want seconds of this irresistible dinner classic.

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes With Rich Creamy Layers

Comfort in Every Bite: Effortless Crowd-Pleaser

• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare a delightful meal that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen stress, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Slice potatoes, layer ingredients, and let the oven do the heavy lifting, creating a creamy, cheesy dish with less than 30 minutes of active cooking time.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Transform simple ingredients like ham, potatoes, and cheese into a restaurant-worthy casserole that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with protein, carbs, and creamy sauce all baked together, reducing cleanup and making dinnertime a breeze.

Creamy Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Pantry Picks

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides hearty texture, choose firm and waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best results.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Create smooth, rich sauce that binds ingredients together.

• Ham: Adds savory flavor and protein, use pre-cooked or leftover ham for convenience.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp taste and melty golden topping, sharp varieties work best.

• Butter, Flour: Create roux base for creamy sauce, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to sauce, fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Offers subtle warmth and slight reddish color to sauce.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Ensures easy dish removal and prevents sticking.

Ham & Potatoes Scalloped Dish Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into super-thin slices.

Aim for paper-thin cuts so they cook evenly and get wonderfully creamy.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment.

Sprinkle in flour and stir for a minute to create a golden base.

• Heavy cream
• Milk

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Build the Layers

• Potato slices
• Diced ham

Pour the creamy sauce over the layers, making sure everything gets a nice coating.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Creamy Cooking Tips for Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/8-inch potato slices for even cooking and perfect texture.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and keep them white before assembling the dish.
• Whisk sauce continuously while adding liquid to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy base that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and more even coverage across the scalloped ham and potatoes.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.

Scalloped Ham Potatoes Stored Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Pairings for Creamy Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair the creamy scalloped ham and potatoes with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Crunch: Serve a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy, creamy texture.
• Match with Fresh Vegetables: Roast bright green asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic and olive oil to add a vibrant, slightly bitter element that elevates the overall meal.
• Refresh with Beverage: Choose a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer to cleanse the palate and provide a smooth, effervescent counterpoint to the rich, cheesy potato casserole.

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Creamy Versions

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ham with plant-based protein like roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, or tofu cubes. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with thin cauliflower slices to reduce carbohydrates. Maintain the creamy sauce and cheese for rich flavor while creating a lighter dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. Select gluten-free cheese and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based or almond cheese to maintain the creamy texture and taste.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, leftover roasted ham, or even deli ham slices. Just ensure the ham is pre-cooked before adding to the dish.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when making the sauce. Use gluten-free ham and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin (about 1/8-inch thick) and use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties hold their shape better during baking and create a more consistent texture.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Scalloped Ham and Potatoes blend layers of tender potatoes and savory ham in a rich, creamy sauce that whisks you straight to home-cooked comfort. Cheesy, golden-topped goodness promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4.5 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of lubricant to prevent adherence and create easy removal.
2. Carefully slice potatoes into delicate, uniform rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
3. Construct a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan, introducing minced garlic to release aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Transform the butter mixture into a roux by incorporating flour and whisking vigorously, developing a rich base for the creamy sauce.
5. Gradually introduce heavy cream and milk while continuously stirring to eliminate potential lumps, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
6. Enhance the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for roughly 5 minutes until it reaches a luxurious consistency.
7. Create alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham within the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Generously cascade the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, meticulously coating each potato and ham piece for maximum flavor integration.
9. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melted blanket that will develop a tantalizingly crisp exterior.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncover to allow the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece during an additional 30-minute baking period.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the sauce to set and making serving more manageable and aesthetically pleasing.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent thickness and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold to create a creamier, more binding texture in the casserole.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ham and checking salt content in added cheese to make the recipe heart-friendly.
• Explore vegetarian alternatives by substituting ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower for a plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg