Scalloped potatoes and ham is a creamy and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any meal! Layers of tender potatoes and slices of ham are baked with a rich cheese sauce.
This dish is like a warm hug on a plate! I love how easy it is to make—a great way to use up leftover ham. Plus, who can resist cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes for their high starch content, which creates a creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor. If you need a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower in similar slices.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is classic for this dish, but you can substitute it with leftover turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can leave it out and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar is a top choice, but mixing in Gruyere or mozzarella can enhance the flavor. Feel free to swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Onion: While optional, onion adds great flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, try using shallots or green onions. For a stronger kick, add some chopped leeks instead.
Milk: Whole milk creates a rich sauce, but you can substitute with 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy, just ensure it’s unsweetened for balance.
How Do I Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
This cheesy sauce is crucial, so getting it right matters! To avoid lumps, it’s all about the roux and incorporating milk correctly:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour to form a paste. Stir constantly for about a minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk a little at a time. This gradual addition helps to combine everything smoothly without lumps.
- Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, typically taking about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a smooth, cheesy sauce ready to complement your layers of potatoes and ham! Enjoy cooking!
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 diced cooked ham
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of Gruyere or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes making the cheese sauce and layering the ingredients before letting it bake into a creamy, cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking dish and grease it with some butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. You want them to be even so they cook nicely. Set them aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. If you’re using it, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
4. Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk, being careful to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese, along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and thyme. Mix it well!
5. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Then sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top of this layer.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and ham, then pour the remaining cheese sauce over everything. Lastly, sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top. If you like, you can add a dusting of paprika for a little extra color!
7. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. After this initial baking time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully golden brown.
8. Serve With Love:
Once it’s done baking, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to add a lovely touch. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for diced cooked ham, you could easily substitute it with diced turkey, chicken, or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead of meat!
What Type of Potatoes Work Best for Scalloped Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are great due to their starchiness, which makes for a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a delicious choice for a buttery flavor. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers and cheese sauce, then assemble everything in the baking dish. Cover it and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.