Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a cozy, warm dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Layered with creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and juicy ham, it’s a true comfort meal!
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s cheesy, hearty, and always reminds me of home. I like to serve it with a simple green salad for a little crunch on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for scalloped dishes because they become tender and fluffy. If you prefer, Yukon Golds can be used for a slightly creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they hold too much moisture.
Ham: Cooked ham gives this dish a delicious flavor. If you’re vegetarian or looking for a lighter option, diced mushrooms or cooked and crumbled bacon can be good substitutes. They won’t replicate the flavor exact but will still enhance the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice here. You could also use Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor. A mix of cheeses can add complexity, too! If you’re lactose intolerant, try lactose-free cheese options, or a dairy-free cheese product.
Milk: Whole milk makes this dish creamy, but you can safely swap it for 2% or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened, as sweetened varieties may alter the taste.
How Do You Make a Smooth Roux for Your Sauce?
Creating a roux is essential for a creamy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting your butter over medium heat. Keep the heat steady; too high can burn the butter!
- Add the finely chopped onion, cooking until it’s soft and translucent. This adds flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour in while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook it for about a minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. This is key to avoiding lumps—whisk steadily as you pour!
- Finally, let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
With practice, you’ll feel more confident making sauces and gravies! Just remember to whisk constantly for the best results.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour of baking time, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a great comfort meal that’s perfect for family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dish cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top as it bakes.
2. Make the Roux:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You’re making a roux, so cook this mixture for an additional minute to get everything combined.
3. Add the Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. This helps prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture starts to simmer and thicken a bit. Once ready, take it off the heat and set aside.
4. Layer Your Ingredients:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your ingredients. First, place half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Then, add half of the diced ham and half of the shredded cheese. Pour half of the milk mixture over the top to help bind everything together. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, ham, cheese, and milk mixture to create a delicious layered effect.
5. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
6. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the dish to set a bit better for serving. Before you serve, sprinkle fresh chives on top for an added touch of flavor and color. Enjoy your scrumptious scalloped potatoes and ham!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère for a nuttier taste or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Just make sure to shred the cheese for even melting and mixing!
What If I Don’t Have Ham?
If you’re out of ham, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a different twist. Just ensure to chop or crumble it into manageable pieces for layering.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the scalloped potatoes and ham a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover scalloped potatoes and ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
