You're craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal tonight. Something that will hit the spot and fill you up on a chilly evening. Well, you just found the perfect dish - scalloped potatoes and ham. This creamy casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese into one absolutely delicious bake. In about an hour, you'll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy. With simple ingredients you likely have on hand and easy instructions, even novice cooks can make this satisfying supper. So preheat that oven and get ready to wow your family with the ultimate comfort food. This cheesy, dreamy dish will quickly become a new favorite weeknight meal or addition to your next potluck spread.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Creamy, Tender Scalloped Potatoes

When it comes to scalloped potatoes, the type of potato you choose is key to getting creamy, melt-in-your-mouth results. Starchy, all-purpose potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes because they break down as they cook, releasing starch that helps create a creamy sauce. Look for round white potatoes like russets that have a mealy, fluffy texture. Avoid waxy, dense potatoes like red potatoes that won’t get tender enough.

Russet potatoes, often labeled as “baking” potatoes, are readily available and inexpensive. Their high starch content means they get very soft when cooked, perfect for scalloped potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes will also work great and add a bit of color. Scrub the potatoes clean, then thinly slice them about 1/4-inch thick. For extra tender potatoes, use a mandoline slicer or the slicing disc on a food processor.

Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before layering them in the baking dish. This removes excess starch and prevents the potatoes from getting too dark as they bake. Drain and pat the potato slices dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel before layering in the dish.

Don’t overcrowd the potato layers in the dish. If sliced too thinly, the potatoes can become mushy. Layer the slices in the dish, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper, cheese, and chopped ham as you go. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure it seeps down into all the layers.

For the creamiest scalloped potatoes, bake the dish covered for most of the cooking time. This allows the potatoes to steam and become very tender. Uncover for the last 15-30 minutes of baking to brown the top. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce through several layers with a fork. Let the scalloped potatoes stand for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy this comforting side dish!

Building Flavorful Layers With Ham and Cheese

To make scalloped potatoes and ham a truly satisfying dish, it’s all about building up flavor in layers. Start with a base of thinly sliced potatoes, then add ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce to create delicious layers of taste and texture.

For the ham, use diced or shredded cooked ham. Ham provides a savory, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the starchy potatoes and rich cheese. You can also use prosciutto or bacon for a smokier variation. Mix in the ham with each layer of potatoes to distribute the flavor evenly.

For the cheese, a melty cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere is ideal. As the cheese melts into the creamy sauce and ham, it adds a gooey, cheesy layer of flavor. Use shredded or diced cheese and sprinkle it over each layer of potatoes and ham. For extra cheesiness, add an additional layer of cheese between the ham and sauce.

The creamy sauce brings it all together. A basic white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and seasonings creates a velvety base for the other ingredients. You can also add cheese, mustard, or herbs to boost the flavor. Pour some of the sauce over each layer of potatoes, ham and cheese to ensure every bite is flavored.

With the ham, cheese, and sauce layered in between the slices of potato, each forkful of this dish will be slightly different but equally delicious. The starchy potatoes provide substance, the ham adds a savory saltiness, the cheese melts into a gooey cheesiness, and the creamy sauce coats it all in velvety richness. Building up these layers of flavor and texture is what makes scalloped potatoes and ham a comforting, satisfying meal.

Secrets to a Velvety Smooth Cheese Sauce

To make a creamy cheese sauce that melts into the potatoes, there are a few techniques to keep in mind:

Use a Thickener

Adding a starch like flour or cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a velvety texture. Make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Cook the roux for a minute while stirring constantly. Then whisk in the milk and broth. Simmer until thickened. For an even smoother sauce, combine the flour and a little milk to make a slurry before adding. This prevents lumps from forming.

Choose a Melty Cheese

Some cheese varieties melt better than others. Opt for cheese that is naturally creamy when melted, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda or fontina. Monterey Jack and Swiss also work great. Avoid cheese that becomes grainy when melted like feta or goat cheese. For extra creaminess, use a combination of cheeses.

Slowly Add the Cheese

Add the shredded cheese to the simmering sauce gradually while whisking constantly. This allows the cheese to melt evenly into the sauce. If you dump all the cheese in at once, it won’t melt properly and you’ll end up with strings of cheese and a lumpy sauce. Add a little bit of cheese at a time, whisking after each addition until it melts before adding more.

Season Generously

Cheese sauce needs seasoning to balance out its richness. Whisk in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add thyme, parsley, or paprika. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning as needed. The sauce should be well-seasoned but not overpowering.

Simmer Briefly

After adding the cheese, simmer the sauce for just a minute while stirring frequently. This allows the flavors to blend and helps the sauce thicken slightly. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, or it can become grainy. Remove from heat and stir before pouring over your scalloped potatoes.

Following these tips will ensure you end up with an ultra creamy cheese sauce to drizzle over your scalloped potatoes and ham. Your taste buds will surely thank you!

Tips for Picking the Best Ham for Scalloped Potatoes

When making scalloped potatoes and ham, the ham you choose is just as important as the spuds. The ham provides a savory, salty flavor that complements the creamy potatoes. Here are some tips for selecting a ham that will make your scalloped potatoes sing:

• Choose a fully-cooked, bone-in ham. A bone-in ham has more flavor than a boneless ham. And fully-cooked means it’s ready to eat and easy to slice and dice for your casserole. Some good options include smoked ham, honey ham, or brown sugar ham.

• Consider a spiral-cut ham. Spiral cutting the ham means it’s pre-sliced, allowing you to easily cut bite-sized pieces for your casserole. The spiral slicing also allows the ham to absorb more of the creamy sauce as it bakes.

• Look for a ham with natural juices or a honey glaze. Hams cured in their own natural juices or with a sweet honey glaze will add more flavor to your scalloped potatoes. Avoid hams with artificial additives which can make the dish too salty.

• Get about 1 to 2 pounds of ham for 4 to 6 servings. Aim for diced ham pieces about 1/2-inch in size. Too little ham and the dish won’t have enough flavor. Too much ham and it overwhelms the potatoes.

• Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to eat and allow the ham to distribute more evenly throughout the casserole. Dicing also increases the surface area, allowing the ham to soak in more of the creamy sauce.

• Save the ham bone for adding to beans or soups. Don’t throw out that bone! Add it to a pot of beans, lentil soup or split pea soup. The bone will impart a ton of smoky, savory flavor as it simmers.

By following these tips, you’ll choose a ham that makes your scalloped potatoes a hearty, satisfying comfort food meal. Your family and friends will surely go back for seconds!

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham as a Hearty Meal

Aside from being delicious on their own, scalloped potatoes and ham pair well with many other foods. For a hearty, satisfying meal, consider the following serving suggestions:

• Green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli or green beans provide balance to the richness of the potatoes and ham. Briefly steam or saute the veggies and season with salt, pepper and fresh or dried herbs of your choice.

• A simple salad makes a great accompaniment and adds freshness. Mixed greens, spinach or kale topped with vegetables like sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, red onion or bell peppers create a colorful, crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes.

• Bread is always a welcome addition for sopping up the flavorful sauce. Warm rolls, biscuits, cornbread or thick slices of artisanal bread are all excellent options.

• For extra protein, serve the scalloped potatoes and ham with eggs. Poached or fried eggs nestled on top of the potatoes will make it a hearty brunch or breakfast dish.

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize this dish to your tastes or what you have on hand. Some ideas include:

• Use diced ham, bacon, sausage or leftover turkey or chicken in place of the ham.

• Add extra vegetables to the dish like corn, mushrooms, zucchini or spinach.

• Substitute half and half, evaporated milk or heavy cream for the milk or part of the milk.

• Add shredded cheese such as cheddar, Swiss or Gruyere for extra creaminess.

• Sprinkle the dish with paprika, fresh or dried herbs before baking for extra flavor.

• Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk in place of the regular milk.

This satisfying dish is versatile and open to your own creative variations. Whip up a batch of scalloped potatoes and ham for your next family meal or potluck and enjoy!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Scalloped potatoes and ham is a great dish to make ahead. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake it ahead of time, let it cool, then reheat in the oven until the filling is bubbly.

What kind of ham should I use?

A smoked or cured ham works well in this dish. Look for diced or shredded ham. Ham steaks will be too thick. A Virginia, Smithfield or Black Forest ham are all excellent options. For extra decadence, use prosciutto or Serrano ham.

Can I add other ingredients?

Scalloped potatoes pair nicely with many mix-ins and add-ins. Some ideas include:

• Cheese such as cheddar, Gruyere or Parmesan

• Caramelized onions or leeks

• Roasted garlic

• Fresh or frozen corn

• Chopped broccoli

• Peas

You can also spice it up with:

• Dijon or whole grain mustard

• Nutmeg

• Paprika

• Crushed red pepper flakes (just a pinch!)

• Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, chives or parsley

Do I need to use a mandoline slicer?

A mandoline slicer will give you paper-thin, evenly sliced potatoes which help this dish achieve its signature creamy and tender texture. However, it is not absolutely required. You can also use a sharp knife to carefully slice the potatoes. Just take your time and aim for slices that are 1/8-inch thick. Thinner slices mean a shorter baking time, so keep that in mind.

Can I make a lighter version?

To lighten up scalloped potatoes, use low-fat milk or half and half instead of heavy cream and limit the amount of cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like broccoli, spinach and zucchini. And of course, go easy on the portion sizes! A little of this rich and comforting dish goes a long way.

Recipe Notes:

When making scalloped potatoes and ham, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure creamy, comforting results every time.

First, use starchy potatoes like russets that will get nice and soft as they bake. Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking. Soak the potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before adding to the dish. This removes excess starch and prevents the potatoes from getting too dark as they bake. Drain and pat the potatoes dry before assembling the dish.

For the sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk and don’t skimp on the butter and cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, and cheddar all work great. Whisk the flour, butter, and milk thoroughly to avoid lumps. And don’t forget the nutmeg—just a pinch adds warmth and complements the cheese.

As for the ham, use diced ham steak, prosciutto, or cooked ham chunks. Cubed ham works nicely and provides savory bites in every bite. You want the ham to be evenly distributed, so add some to each layer as you assemble the dish.

Slow baking at 350 F is key. This allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up the creamy sauce as it bubbles. Tent the dish with foil before baking, then uncover for the last part of baking to get a golden, cheesy topping.

Let the dish stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to thicken up as it cools slightly. Garnish with extra cheese, ham, chives, bacon, or bread crumbs. A simple salad makes it a complete meal.

Most importantly, this dish is meant for sharing. Whip up a double batch, grab some friends or family, and dig into comforting cheesy, creamy forkfuls together. Leftovers reheat well for days—if there are any! Make this a staple recipe in your winter comfort food rotation.

Nutrition

When it comes to comfort food, scalloped potatoes and ham certainly fit the bill. Not only is this dish satisfying, but it also provides several important nutrients.

Carbohydrates

The potatoes in this dish provide carbohydrates, which are your body’s main source of energy. Carbs are essential for fueling your brain, muscles, and central nervous system. The potatoes also provide fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full.

Protein

Ham is a source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, bone, cartilage, blood, and skin. The protein in ham also helps boost your metabolism and immunity. Having a protein source in this dish helps create a balanced, nutritious meal.

Calcium

Both potatoes and ham contain calcium, which is crucial for bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Calcium also plays a role in blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, and muscle contractions.

Vitamin C

Potatoes are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system and healthy skin. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Other Minerals

This dish also provides several other important minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and B vitamins. Minerals and B vitamins play a role in making red blood cells, proper nerve and muscle function, and converting the food you eat into energy.

While comfort food isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think “healthy,” scalloped potatoes and ham can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. This classic dish provides a variety of essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied. When paired with a simple salad or vegetable side, scalloped potatoes and ham make for a wholesome, homestyle meal.