Introduction

This creamy scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich cheese in a luscious sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it delivers satisfying flavors and a golden, bubbly top.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version)
1 medium Onion (Provides aromatic depth; substitute with shallots or leeks)
2 cloves Garlic (Use garlic powder if fresh is not available)
2 cups Whole Milk (Use low-fat or almond milk for a lighter version)
2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth (Keeps the dish gluten-free)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
4 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes (Thinly sliced)
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour as an alternative)
2 cups Diced Cooked Ham (Can be replaced with cooked bacon or omitted for a vegetarian option)
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Gruyere is a great alternative)
1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional but recommended)
1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Chives, Thyme, or Parsley) (Optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, then stir in the crushed garlic.
Step 3: Pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, then set the mixture aside.
Step 4: Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes, then toss them with the all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
Step 5: In a greased casserole dish, arrange a layer of potato slices. Pour some of the milk mixture over them and sprinkle with diced ham and cheddar cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 6: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 25 minutes. Then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 20-25 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use almond milk instead of whole milk.
Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary into the layers for extra flavor.
Use Gruyere cheese as an alternative to cheddar for a nuttier taste.
Replace ham with cooked bacon or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian option.
Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and evenly for uniform cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Russet potatoes can be used but may result in a softer casserole.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

This creamy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory ham, and a rich cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy Parmesan topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version)
1 medium Onion, chopped (Provides aromatic depth; substitute with shallots or leeks)
2 cloves Garlic, crushed (Use garlic powder if fresh is not available)
2 cups Whole Milk (Use low-fat or almond milk for a lighter version)
2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth (Keeps the dish gluten-free)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Potatoes and Coating

4 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour as an alternative)

Protein and Cheese

2 cups Diced Cooked Ham (Can be replaced with cooked bacon or omitted for a vegetarian option)
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Gruyere is a great alternative)
1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional but recommended)

Optional Garnish

1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Chives, Thyme, or Parsley)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Sauté Aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, then stir in the crushed garlic until fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: Pour in the whole milk and chicken broth into the pot with the aromatics. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, then set the mixture aside to infuse flavors.
Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes. Lightly coat the potato slices with all-purpose flour to help thicken the sauce during baking.
Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish. Layer half of the potato slices evenly in the dish, pour half of the milk mixture over them, then sprinkle half of the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, milk mixture, ham, and cheddar.
Initial Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook gently and absorb the flavors.
Bake Uncovered and Broil: Remove the foil, continue baking uncovered for an additional 25 minutes. Then sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese on top and broil until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 20-25 minutes. This resting period helps the dish to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use almond milk instead of whole milk.
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegetarian adaptation: omit ham and consider substituting with cooked mushrooms or extra cheese.
Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.
Resting time after baking is crucial to prevent the casserole from being too runny when served.
Broil carefully to avoid burning the Parmesan topping; watch closely during the last few minutes.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, ham casserole, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, baked potato casserole, cheesy ham dish