Creamy Scalloped Ham & Potatoes Recipe for Hearty Dinners

Scalloped Ham & Potatoes evokes pure comfort food satisfaction that works beautifully for busy weeknights and special family gatherings.

This hearty casserole has been feeding hungry families for generations, proving that simple dishes often become the most beloved.

The combination of tender layers baked until golden brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it solves dinner dilemmas when you need something filling that pleases all ages.

Cold weather calls for meals like this one, though honestly, any season feels right for such warm, cozy fare.

Whether you serve it as a main course or generous side dish, expect empty plates and requests for seconds.

Reasons to Make Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Comfort Food Classic: This scalloped ham potatoes dish brings pure comfort to your dinner table with its rich, creamy layers that feel like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.
• Super Simple Ingredients: Grab basic pantry staples and some ham, and you can create a hearty meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular for your family.
• Perfect Weekend Meal: When you need a satisfying dish that feeds several people without tons of complicated steps, this potato casserole becomes your go-to weekend dinner solution.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like potatoes and leftover ham means you can stretch your grocery budget while serving a delicious, filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

What Ingredients Build Scalloped Ham & Potatoes?

• Russet Potatoes (45 medium): The star of the dish, these provide a hearty base and will absorb all the delicious creamy sauce.
• Cooked Ham (2 cups): Adds a savory protein punch and brings a delightful smoky flavor to your casserole.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup), Milk (1 cup), Butter (3 tbsp), Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Create a rich, velvety sauce that will make your potatoes creamy and irresistible.
• Onion (1 medium), Garlic (2 cloves): Provide a depth of flavor that makes the sauce sing.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Tools to Bake Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Your go-to pan for creating this creamy, cheesy potato casserole. Ensures even cooking and perfect layering.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing potatoes into thin, uniform rounds and dicing ham precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prepping your ingredients quickly and safely.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating the rich, creamy sauce that brings this dish together.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sauce smoothly, eliminating any pesky flour lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded options.

How to Make Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Which Tips Perfect Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes super thin and evenly, ensuring each bite cooks perfectly and looks professional.
• Whisk the milk and cream slowly into your roux, preventing lumps and creating a silky-smooth sauce that coats your potatoes beautifully.
• Spread your ham pieces evenly between potato layers so every forkful gets a tasty chunk of meat and maximum flavor.
• Grate your cheddar fresh and add it to the warm sauce off the heat, stirring until it melts completely for a rich, creamy texture.
• Remove the foil during the final baking stage to let your potato edges get golden and slightly crisp, creating delicious textural contrast.

Best Scalloped Ham and Potato Variations

• Veggie Version: Replace ham with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cutting them into similar bite-sized pieces to maintain the original texture and cooking method.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt and skim milk, reducing the fat content while keeping the sauce creamy and delicious.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce and select gluten-free cheese to make the entire dish safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein Swap: Trade ham for cooked chicken or turkey breast, diced into similar-sized pieces for a different protein profile that keeps the recipe’s core structure intact.

How to Serve Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Toss a crisp salad with your favorite vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy potatoes and cut through the dish’s heaviness.
• Perfect Side Bread: Warm up crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete your meal with extra comfort.
• Wine Pairing Choice: Select a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that will refresh your palate between bites of the hearty potato casserole.
• Quick Garnish Tip: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor to your finished dish.

How to Store Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir will bring back its smooth texture when reheating.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the potatoes from drying out. Start with 1-2 minutes, then stir and add more time as needed.
• For the best results, warm your portion in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent the potatoes from getting too dry.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the dish’s original texture and flavor.

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes FAQ Breakdown

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
• Yield: 10 to 12 1x

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Description

Scalloped ham potatoes bring comfort right to your dinner table with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. Warm slices of potato and tender ham create a classic casserole that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mains:

• 4.5 russet potatoes
• 2 cups ham

Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Peel 4-5 russet potatoes and slice them into paper-thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. Cut 2 cups of cooked ham into small, uniform bite-sized cubes.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 45-60 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour into the pan and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
4. Slowly pour 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Create alternating layers of potato slices, diced ham, and cheese sauce, ensuring each layer is evenly covered.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes.
8. Check that the top turns golden brown and potatoes become fork-tender. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Select a good-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for deeper flavor and better melting properties in the sauce.
• When layering, spread sauce evenly between potato layers to prevent dry spots and ensure maximum creaminess.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese without compromising the rich taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5-15 minutes
• Category: Ham
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10 to 12
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg