Creamy Scalloped Ham Potatoes Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Scalloped ham potatoes recipe combines comfort food at its finest with satisfying flavors everyone loves.

Creamy layers and savory notes come together in a dish perfect for family dinners, potlier gatherings, or when craving something warm and filling.

Cold evenings call for meals that feel like a hug on a plate, and few things deliver that cozy satisfaction quite like this classic.

Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it practical for busy schedules.

Whether feeding a crowd or simply wanting something reliable and delicious, this one-dish wonder never disappoints.

What Makes Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Classic

• Easy Family Meal: This scalloped ham potatoes dish delivers pure comfort that keeps everyone at the table asking for seconds, making dinner feel special without tons of kitchen stress.
• Smart Ingredient Use: Using leftover ham transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something delicious, helping you reduce food waste while creating a hearty, satisfying dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The creamy sauce, melted Gruyere cheese, and tender potatoes combine into a rich, savory combination that appeals to kids and adults alike, perfect for gathering around the table.
• Simple Preparation: Despite looking impressive, this casserole requires basic cooking skills and minimal ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want a reliable, tasty meal.

What Goes Into Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 pounds): Creamy potatoes that hold their shape perfectly when sliced thin. Peeling ensures a smooth, elegant texture in your casserole.
• Cooked Ham (1 pound): Diced protein that adds a savory, salty flavor to each delicious layer. The ham provides a substantial and satisfying element to the dish.
• Gruyere Cheese (1 cup): Rich, nutty Swiss cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, creamy topping. Shredded to distribute flavor evenly throughout the casserole.

• Whole Milk (3 cups), Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Creamy base that creates a silky, rich sauce. The milk provides smooth consistency while butter adds depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 tablespoons): Helps create a thick, luxurious sauce that coats every potato slice perfectly.

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste), Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon plus more to taste), Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile. Each spice brings a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, optional): Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the golden casserole.

Tools Used for Scalloped Ham Potatoes

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: Your perfect vessel for creating this layered potato casserole, ensuring even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Large Saucepan (4-quart): Where you’ll craft the creamy sauce, with enough space to whisk and simmer smoothly.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing potatoes and onions into thin, consistent pieces that cook evenly.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safely preparing your ingredients before assembling the casserole.
• Whisk (10-inch): Your go-to tool for creating a silky smooth cream sauce without any lumps.
• Vegetable Peeler: Helps you quickly and cleanly remove potato and onion skins.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements guarantee your sauce comes together perfectly.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers your casserole during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring the sauce and checking potato tenderness.

Complete Baking Guide for Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

What Are the Best Tips for Scalloped Ham Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful layered look.
• Whisk the cream sauce constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture that coats every potato slice.
• Grate your Gruyere fresh for the best flavor and meltability, creating those irresistible golden-brown cheese spots on top.
• Always let your casserole sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, allowing the sauce to set and making it easier to serve perfect portions.
• Layer your ham, potatoes, and onions generously, ensuring each bite delivers a perfect combination of creamy, savory goodness.

What Scalloped Ham Potato Variations Are Classic

• Vegetarian Potato Gratin: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, keeping the same layering technique and cream sauce for a plant-based alternative that maintains the rich, comforting flavor.
• Swiss Cheese Swap: Substitute Gruyere with sharp cheddar or monterey jack for a different cheese profile that still melts beautifully and adds a tangy kick to your potato casserole.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the cream sauce and ensure your entire dish remains gluten-free while keeping the same creamy texture and delicious taste.
• Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce cheese quantity to create a lighter version that cuts calories without sacrificing the classic comfort food feel.

Hearty Serving Styles for Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Serving Size Success: Slice this hearty casserole into generous squares, aiming for 6-8 portions that’ll satisfy hungry family members or dinner guests.
• Perfect Side Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy potatoes and cut through the dish’s decadence.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Grab a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that complements the savory ham and creamy sauce without overwhelming your palate.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley right before bringing the casserole to the table to add a bright, fresh pop of color and subtle herb flavor.

How to Store Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Store the baked casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F, covering with foil to keep the top from burning.
• If your potatoes start to brown while storing, place a piece of parchment paper between the casserole and the lid to prevent sticking and discoloration.
• Keep unbaked casserole assembled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remove from the fridge 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to take the chill off.

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes FAQs

Scalloped Ham Potatoes Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Scalloped ham potatoes deliver pure comfort right from the kitchen, bringing together creamy layers of sliced potatoes and tender ham that melt together beautifully. Hearty, satisfying comfort comes alive with each delicious forkful of this classic dish that warms your soul and delights your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 pound cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Drain and pat dry 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes after slicing them ⅛ inch thick. Slice 1 large onion into thin rings.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk 4 tablespoons flour into the melted butter for 2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually pour 3 cups whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Ensure each milk addition blends smoothly.
4. Season the sauce with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until combined.
5. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Remove from heat.
6. Fold ½ cup Gruyere cheese into the warm sauce until melted and smooth.
7. Preheat your oven to 350F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
8. Create the first layer of potatoes, slightly overlapping the slices. Top with onion rings and diced ham.
9. Repeat layering potatoes, onions, and 1 pound diced ham until ingredients are used, finishing with a potato layer.
10. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the casserole, ensuring sauce reaches all layers.
11. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup Gruyere cheese across the top.
12. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes at 350F.
13. Remove foil and continue baking 25 minutes until potatoes are tender and top turns golden brown.
14. Allow casserole to rest 15 minutes after removing from oven.
15. Optional: Scatter ¼ cup chopped parsley over the dish before serving.

Notes

• Potato slicing matters most, so aim for uniform 1/8-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the sauce to settle and makes serving much easier without losing all the creamy goodness.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, and use lean ham to reduce overall fat content.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or fontina for different flavor profiles, but Gruyere provides the most traditional and rich taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
• Category: Ham
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg