Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: A Comfort Food Classic

Cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham – is there anything more comforting? This classic dish is the perfect way to use up leftover ham, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to bubbly perfection make it an irresistible meal. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. This recipe provides detailed steps and tips to ensure your scalloped potatoes and ham turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to experience a dish that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** Nothing beats the warm, comforting flavors of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** A great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner or weekend roast.
* **Easy to Make:** Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different cheeses, spices, or vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Yukon Golds provide a creamy texture, while Russets offer a more starchy and fluffy result. About 3 pounds.
* **Ham:** Cooked ham, diced or sliced. Approximately 2-3 cups. Leftover ham is perfect, but deli ham works well too.
* **Onion:** One medium yellow onion, finely chopped, adds savory depth to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** Two cloves of garlic, minced, enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter, used for sautéing the onion and creating the roux.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Essential for thickening the creamy cheese sauce.
* **Milk:** Whole milk creates the richest sauce, but 2% milk can be used as a substitute. 3-4 cups
* **Heavy Cream:** A touch of heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess to the sauce. Optional, about ½ cup.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can use a mix of cheddar and other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack. Approximately 2 cups, shredded.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory note to the topping. Optional, about ¼ cup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the potatoes and sauce.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the sauce. (Optional)
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, adds a pop of color and freshness.

## Equipment

* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the potatoes with salt and pepper.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** The ideal size for baking the scalloped potatoes and ham.
* **Large Saucepan:** For making the cheese sauce.
* **Whisk:** For ensuring a smooth cheese sauce.
* **Mandoline or Sharp Knife:** For thinly slicing the potatoes (a mandoline ensures even slices).
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the onion, garlic, and ham.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Prep the Ingredients:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about 1/8 inch thick). Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and toss with salt and pepper. This helps to season them evenly and draw out some of the moisture.
3. **Prepare the Ham, Onion, and Garlic:** Dice or slice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
4. **Shred the Cheese:** Shred the cheddar cheese and grate the Parmesan cheese (if using).

**Make the Cheese Sauce:**

1. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Make the Roux:** Whisk in the all-purpose flour into the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce.
3. **Add the Milk and Cream:** Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. If using, add the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. **Add the Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes and Ham:**

1. **Layer the Ingredients:** Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Spread a layer of diced ham over the potatoes. Pour a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the ham and potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
2. **Repeat the Layers:** Repeat the layers of potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese sauce. Gently press down on the layers to ensure the potatoes are submerged in the sauce.
3. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) evenly over the top.

**Bake the Scalloped Potatoes and Ham:**

1. **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
2. **Uncover and Brown:** Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. A knife inserted into the potatoes should meet little to no resistance.
3. **Rest Before Serving:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

**Garnish and Serve:**

1. **Garnish:** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, for added freshness and visual appeal.
2. **Serve:** Serve warm as a main course or a side dish.

## Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

* **Slice the Potatoes Thinly and Evenly:** This is crucial for ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and become tender. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving consistent slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and take your time.
* **Don’t Overcook the Roux:** When making the roux, cook it for only 1-2 minutes to avoid a bitter taste. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts much better and provides a richer flavor.
* **Season Generously:** Potatoes absorb a lot of flavor, so be sure to season both the potatoes and the sauce generously with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Ensure the Potatoes are Submerged in Sauce:** The potatoes need to be fully submerged in the cheese sauce to cook properly and become tender. Gently press down on the layers to ensure they are well coated.
* **Cover with Foil Initially:** Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking helps to prevent the top from browning too quickly and allows the potatoes to cook through evenly.
* **Let it Rest Before Serving:** Allowing the scalloped potatoes and ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the potato slices. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the potatoes; they should be tender with little resistance.

## Variations and Additions

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, for a unique flavor profile. A blend of cheeses can also add complexity to the dish.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add sliced mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, or frozen peas to the layers for added texture and flavor. These additions can also boost the nutritional value of the dish.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Infusion:** Infuse the milk with herbs like thyme or rosemary while heating it to add an aromatic dimension to the sauce. Remove the herbs before adding the milk to the roux.
* **Add Bacon:** Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the scalloped potatoes and ham for extra smoky flavor.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Substitute some of the milk with cream of mushroom soup for a richer, more mushroom-forward flavor.
* **Use Sweet Potatoes:** For a sweeter twist, substitute some of the potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ham for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables or use a vegetarian ham substitute.

## Serving Suggestions

Cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Main Course:** Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
* **Side Dish:** Pair with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
* **Holiday Meal:** A perfect addition to your holiday table, especially for Easter or Christmas.
* **Potluck or Gathering:** An easy and crowd-pleasing dish to bring to potlucks and gatherings.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the scalloped potatoes and ham ahead of time, which makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Here’s how:

1. **Assemble the Dish:** Prepare the dish as instructed up to the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
2. **Bake:** When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if necessary, to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover scalloped potatoes and ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power. To prevent the potatoes from drying out, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
* **Freeze:** While not ideal (the texture of the potatoes can change), you can freeze scalloped potatoes and ham. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Conclusion

Cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham is a timeless comfort food classic that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe provides all the tips and tricks you need to create a perfect batch every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious meal! Enjoy!