Every time I make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, it takes me back to my childhood and those lovely Sunday dinners with my family. The aroma fills the house with such warmth and comfort, reminding me of gatherings around the table, laughter, and stories shared. I can still hear my mother saying, "Food brings us together," and I truly believe she was right. There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling dish out of the oven, golden and cheesy, ready to be served.
This dish quickly became a beloved staple in my own home. I’ve made it countless times, especially in the colder months when comfort food is all you crave. I know that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your home too! Trust me, your family will adore it just like mine does. So, let’s grab our aprons and get started on this delightful journey through one of the best comfort foods around!
How to make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients:
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These are my favorite for scalloped potatoes because they become tender and creamy while still holding their shape.
- Smoked ham: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and is a great way to use leftover ham.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharper, the better! It melts beautifully and gives that rich cheese taste we all love.
- Butter: Essential for that rich, buttery flavor in the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This makes the dish so creamy—don’t skimp on it!
- Garlic: A little bit of minced garlic adds a nice aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning but so necessary to bring out all those delicious flavors.
- Paprika: Just a pinch gives a beautiful color and a slight smokiness.
I always have these ingredients on hand, and you might find yourself doing the same once you taste this dish!
Cooking Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for achieving that beautifully baked texture.
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Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes. Aim for about an eighth of an inch thick. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook evenly, and we want fork-tender goodness!
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Dice the Ham: While you’re at it, chop your smoked ham into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this is the perfect recipe to use it up!
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Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt about 4 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—this is when your kitchen will start smelling divine!
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Add the Cream: Pour in a generous cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously, adding salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. Bring this to a light simmer, and then let it thicken just a bit. You want it creamy, not watery!
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Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with half of the sliced potatoes, then layer half of the diced ham, followed by half of the sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
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Pour the Sauce: Once your layers are ready, pour the creamy mixture evenly over everything. Make sure it seeps down into all the nooks and crannies—this is essential for that creaminess we love!
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Bake it Up: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You know it’s done when the top is all golden and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Let your dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, this helps stabilize everything. When you scoop it out, you want layers without a soup!
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Enjoy with Family: I always serve this dish with a side salad or some steamed veggies, but it’s hearty enough to stand alone. It’s a perfect dish to share with family and friends.
Why I Love Making This Dish: What makes Scalloped Potatoes and Ham so special to me is the memories tied to it. Whenever I prepare this dish, I think about gathering ’round the dinner table and hearing my family talk and laugh. You see, food isn’t just about eating; it’s about connecting. My children often reminisce about the different versions of this dish I’ve made over the years, and it warms my heart to see how it’s evolved in our family traditions.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need a good knife for slicing those potatoes, a peeler, a baking dish (I prefer glass), and a saucepan. It doesn’t take much, but the love you put into it is what makes it truly shine!
Tips for Perfect Results: To achieve creaminess throughout your dish, make sure your potatoes are evenly sliced. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Here’s a trick: you can make it a day ahead! Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake!
Serving Suggestions and Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A touch of cranberry sauce can elevate it further, especially around the holidays. And don’t forget to have some fresh bread on hand to soak up that creamy sauce!
Leftovers: Now, if you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 3 days. To reheat, just pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. It warms up beautifully, and honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day!
FAQ Section: Can I use different kinds of potatoes? You can! While I recommend Yukon Gold for their creaminess, Russet potatoes also work well. Just be mindful they’ll be a bit starchy.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? No problem at all! You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, though I do find that heavy cream gives the richest flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Just skip the ham and add some veggies instead, like sautéed mushrooms or spinach—so yummy!
How long can I keep the leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but you might want to eat them sooner, as they’re simply irresistible!
This Scalloped Potatoes and Ham dish holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait for you to try your hand at making it. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy weekend, or just a little treat for yourself, I guarantee it will warm your soul. You’ll love how comforting and hearty it is, and soon enough, it might just become a beloved recipe in your household too. Let me know how it goes, and I can’t wait to hear your family’s reactions when they take the first bite!
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes Thinly sliced, about an eighth of an inch thick.
- 2 cups Smoked ham Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese Grated.
- 4 tablespoons Butter For the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Do not skimp for creaminess.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 1 pinch Paprika For color and smokiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes, about an eighth of an inch thick.
- Chop the smoked ham into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt about 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, then stir continuously and add salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Bring to a light simmer until slightly thickened.
Layering and Baking
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, half of the diced ham, and half of the grated cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layers.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to stabilize the layers.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.