When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? A cozy blanket, a warm fire, and a dish that wraps around your taste buds like a loving hug. Enter scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, the culinary equivalent of your grandma’s best storytelling—a hearty blend of creamy potatoes layered with savory ham and gooey cheese that will make you weep with joy. rich and creamy mashed potatoes The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make even the grumpiest of housemates abandon their post on the couch.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use leftover holiday ham for this recipe?
- What type of cheese works best?
- How do I prevent my potatoes from becoming mushy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish has been a staple in my family for years, serving as the centerpiece of many gatherings—be it holiday feasts or casual Sunday dinners. I can still hear my cousin’s enthusiastic “More please!” echoing through the kitchen as we all piled our plates high. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a festive occasion, scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese always brings people together. homemade sausage rolls Trust me; this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will have you dreaming about seconds before you even finish your first bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners
- The rich layers create a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds
- You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences by swapping out ingredients
- Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners!
I remember one particular Thanksgiving when this dish took center stage—everyone was too busy reaching for seconds to notice the turkey was slightly dry.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russets for creamy results that hold their shape well.
- Cooked Ham: Use diced leftover ham or store-bought for convenience; both options are flavorful.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its rich, velvety texture—don’t skimp on this!
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds depth; feel free to mix different kinds.
- Onions: Sautéed onions provide sweetness—yellow or sweet onions work best.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances flavor; fresh garlic can also add an extra kick. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in this comforting dish. comforting fettuccine alfredo.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter to prevent sticking—your future self will thank you!
Slice Those Potatoes: Thinly slice about 3-4 medium-sized potatoes using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.
Sauté Onions and Ham: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and sauté diced onions until they turn golden brown. Add diced cooked ham to warm through.
Create Your Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended; this mixture is where all the magic happens!
Layer Up!: In your greased baking dish, start layering: place half the potato slices at the bottom, followed by half of the sautéed onion-ham mix. Pour over half of your cream mixture.
Add Cheese & Repeat Layers: Sprinkle half of your cheddar cheese over the first layer and repeat with remaining ingredients: potatoes, ham-onion mix, cream mixture, finishing with cheese on top.
Now that your casserole is ready to go into the oven, cover it tightly with foil to lock in moisture during cooking. Bake for 45 minutes covered; then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown on top.
And just like that—you’ve created something truly special! Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before diving in. Serving scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is an experience in itself; each creamy forkful resonates warmth straight from your kitchen into your heart! For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese are a creamy, cheesy delight that warms the heart
- The combination of layers creates a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or cozy nights
- Make sure you let it rest before serving to enhance flavors and textures
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Layer sliced potatoes, ham, and cheese in a baking dish, then pour on the creamy sauce. Bake for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly, ensuring everything cooks evenly and deliciously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ham for bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie version. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate your scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, infusing delightful flavors throughout. bacon wrapped dates.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, retaining that creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly layered scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, slice your potatoes uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t skip soaking them; it enhances creaminess!
- Always let the dish sit briefly after baking—it’s worth the wait!
Sharing my first attempt at scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese brings back memories of laughter as my friends tried to chew through my overcooked layers. They were kind enough to ask for seconds anyway!
FAQ
Can I use leftover holiday ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham adds fantastic flavor and reduces food waste.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or Monterey Jack also adds great flavor!
How do I prevent my potatoes from becoming mushy?
Slice them thinly and avoid overcooking to maintain their texture while baking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a rich and creamy experience that warms the heart. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it promises to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup onions, sautéed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with butter.
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cooking.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat; sauté onions until golden brown. Add diced ham to warm through.
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; whisk until blended.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, followed by half of the onion-ham mix and half of the cream mixture. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (180g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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