Print

Irresistible Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe Perfect for Dinner

scalloped potatoes and ham - featured image

This comforting dish combines creamy scalloped potatoes with savory ham, all blanketed in a rich, cheesy sauce for a dinner that’s both impressive and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 56 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices or carefully use a sharp knife.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a paste. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  6. Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of diced ham, then pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.’, ‘Uniform potato slices ensure even cooking.’, ‘Take your time when making the cheese sauce to avoid clumps and achieve a smooth texture.’, ‘Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to help the layers set.’, ‘If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil to prevent burning.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, ham recipe, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, dinner recipe