Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out! Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes, bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, punctuated by savory bites of ham. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

This classic dish has roots in European cuisine, with variations appearing across different cultures for centuries. The beauty of scalloped potatoes with ham lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While the basic recipe remains relatively unchanged, families often add their own special touches, passing down secret ingredients and techniques through generations. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home.

But what makes this dish so universally loved? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly delicious! The creamy potatoes melt in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the salty, smoky ham. The combination is simply irresistible. Beyond the taste, it’s also a relatively easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, are you ready to experience the magic of this timeless classic? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Potatoes and Ham:

1. First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready! Peel all 4 pounds of Yukon Golds. I find that Yukon Golds work best because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during baking. But feel free to experiment with other varieties like Russets or red potatoes if you prefer.
2. Now, the most important part: slicing the potatoes. You want them thinly sliced, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer makes this super easy and ensures even thickness, which is crucial for even cooking. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Just take your time and aim for consistent slices.
3. As you slice the potatoes, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water. This prevents them from oxidizing and turning brown. It also helps to remove some of the excess starch, which will contribute to a creamier final dish.
4. Next, slice the large yellow onion thinly. You want it to be about the same thickness as the potatoes. The onion will add a lovely savory flavor to the scalloped potatoes.
5. Dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. I usually use leftover holiday ham, but you can also buy pre-cooked ham at the deli counter. About 2 cups of diced ham is perfect, but feel free to add more if you’re a ham lover!
6. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important because excess moisture can prevent the potatoes from browning properly.

Making the Cream Sauce:

1. Now, let’s move on to the creamy, dreamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible! In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t burn.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and bubbly. This step is important to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in 4 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt and pepper to your liking. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.

Assembling and Baking the Scalloped Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
2. Now comes the fun part: layering! Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
3. Sprinkle a layer of sliced onions over the potatoes.
4. Scatter a layer of diced ham over the onions.
5. Pour about one-third of the cream sauce over the ham layer, making sure to coat everything evenly.
6. Repeat these layers (potatoes, onions, ham, sauce) two more times, ending with a layer of sauce.
7. If you’re using Gruyere and Parmesan cheese (and I highly recommend that you do!), sprinkle the Gruyere cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the Gruyere. The cheese will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
10. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can test the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish. If the fork slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
11. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
13. Serve hot and enjoy! These scalloped potatoes with ham are the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious in this dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham for a vegetarian version. You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach to make it more substantial.
• Garlic Lovers: Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the butter when making the cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Preventing Browning: If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Creamier Sauce: For an even richer and creamier sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk.
• Serving Suggestions: Scalloped potatoes with ham are a great side dish for roasted chicken, pork chops, or beef tenderloin. They also make a delicious main course on their own.
• Storage: Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Troubleshooting:

• Potatoes are not cooking evenly: Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly and that the baking dish is covered tightly with foil during the first hour of baking.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
• Top is not browning: Make sure to remove the foil during the last 30-45 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown. You can also broil the top for a minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Scalloped Potatoes with Ham recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting classic elevated with simple techniques and readily available ingredients. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, cheesy potatoes, layered with savory ham, create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

But why is this particular version so special? It’s all about the balance. We’ve achieved that perfect harmony between rich indulgence and comforting simplicity. The thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly in the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. The ham adds a salty, smoky depth that complements the potatoes beautifully, and the cheese… well, who doesn’t love a generous layer of melted, bubbly cheese?

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because, let’s be honest, cooking is all about making it your own! This Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is fantastic as a main course, especially on a chilly evening. Serve it with a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or alongside some steamed green beans for a complete and balanced meal. It’s also a wonderful side dish for a holiday gathering or potluck. Imagine bringing this to Thanksgiving or Christmas – you’ll be the star of the show!

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the ham altogether and add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Cheese lover’s dream: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, cheddar, or even a smoked gouda would be fantastic additions.
• Garlic galore: Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herby goodness: Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary over the potatoes before baking for an aromatic touch.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature version of this classic dish.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you make any tweaks to the recipe? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Ham!

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s that good! So, go ahead, give it a try. You won’t regret it!