Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This classic casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and comforting dish. In this blog post, we’ll share a mouthwatering recipe for Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, complete with a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful. Get ready to enjoy a dish that will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 pound cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Top the potatoes with half of the diced ham.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and ham, ensuring that they are well coated.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove the Scalloped Potatoes with Ham from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness and presentation.
- Serve the Scalloped Potatoes with Ham hot as a hearty and comforting main dish or as a delightful side dish to complement your favorite protein.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes with Ham:
- Thinly slice the potatoes: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes into thin, uniform slices. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife for best results.
- Pre-cook the ham: If your ham is not pre-cooked, make sure to cook it before adding it to the casserole. This will ensure that the ham is tender and fully cooked when the casserole is done.
- Customize with additional ingredients: Feel free to add your
- Add a pop of color and flavor: Enhance the visual appeal and taste of your Scalloped Potatoes with Ham by incorporating colorful vegetables. Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or steamed asparagus between the layers for an extra burst of freshness and texture.
- Experiment with cheese varieties: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this dish, you can get creative and try different cheese combinations. Mix in some Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack cheese for a unique and delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
- Make it gluten-free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free all-purpose flour or substituting it with cornstarch. Ensure the ham you’re using is also gluten-free.
- Prep in advance: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham can be assembled ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Leftovers reinvented: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Transform your Scalloped Potatoes with Ham into a new dish by using it as a filling for a breakfast burrito or topping for a homemade pizza. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Serve with a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The crispness and vibrancy of the salad will complement the creamy and savory flavors of the Scalloped Potatoes with Ham.
Conclusion:
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is a timeless and comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ham, and a luscious cheese sauce. With its creamy texture and satisfying flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. By following the simple steps and incorporating some creative variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Prepare this delicious dish, share it with your loved ones, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy the comforting goodness of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham as it warms both your kitchen and your heart.