These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham are a warm and comforting meal. Layers of tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and savory ham come together to create a dish everyone loves!
Who can resist cheesy goodness? This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or as a side for special occasions. I always make extra, because leftovers taste even better! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Yukon Golds are a great alternative with a creamy flavor. Frozen hash browns can also work in a pinch!
Ham: Cooked ham adds a savory touch, but turkey ham or even diced pancetta can be tasty substitutes. If you want a vegetarian version, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for its sharpness, but feel free to mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. For a lower-fat option, try reduced-fat cheese, but remember it might not melt as well.
Milk: Whole milk makes the dish rich and creamy. For a lighter version, you can use skim milk, or for a rich flavor, heavy cream is excellent. For dairy-free options, almond or oat milk can work too!
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce Doesn’t Get Lumpy?
Many people worry about lumpy cheese sauce, but with a little care, you can avoid that! Here’s how:
- Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the milk to the flour and butter mixture.
- Gradually add the milk instead of pouring it all at once. This helps incorporate it smoothly.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid cooking the sauce too fast. If it starts bubbling too quickly, reduce the heat.
Stir in the cheese slowly after removing it from the heat to ensure it melts smoothly, giving you a creamy sauce!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes With Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour of baking time, so you’ll be enjoying your cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham in about an hour and 15 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare The Potatoes:
Peel and slice your potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Once sliced, set them aside to get ready for layering.
3. Make The Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and mix constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth paste. This is called a roux!
4. Whisk In The Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. It should be nice and creamy!
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season your cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Layer The Potatoes and Ham:
In your greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes.
7. Pour On The Cheese Sauce:
Pour half of the delicious cheese sauce evenly over the layer of ham and potatoes. This will create a creamy and cheesy base for your dish!
8. Repeat The Layers:
Now, repeat the layers! Add the remaining potatoes and ham, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce, making sure everything is well covered.
9. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you’d like some extra flavor, you can add the Parmesan cheese as well.
10. Bake It!
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to help the potatoes cook through.
11. Finish Baking:
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step gives the top a lovely golden brown and bubbly finish!
12. Let it Rest:
Once done, take your dish out of the oven and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes. This will help everything settle. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham! What a treat! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for a creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even frozen hash browns for convenience. Just make sure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you want to skip the ham, you can use diced turkey ham, cooked bacon, or even vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to fit your preferred flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave portions for quick reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.