When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and easy to prepare, this Scalloped Potatoes with Ham recipe is the perfect solution.
It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, and makes for a great side dish or main course.
Links may be commissioned.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
With tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s ideal for those cold dreary days and feels oh so comforting.
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, washed
- 1 ½ cups diced precooked ham
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 ½ cups milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Prepare your potatoes by washing and peeling them if desired. Slice them into ⅛-inch slices and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until the onions are transparent and soft.
- Mix the sliced potatoes with the diced ham and place them in your prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over the onions, stirring to coat (don’t worry if it’s clumpy, that’s normal).
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to heat the mixture. Bring it to a boil and cook for an additional minute to thicken the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly to the edges.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Storage Tip: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tools to Make Making Scalloped Potatoes Easier
When preparing this delicious dish, having the right tools and ingredients can make all the difference. Here are some affiliate links to products that will help you create the perfect Scalloped Potatoes with Ham:
- 2-Quart Baking Dish: A high-quality baking dish is a kitchen essential. This 8×8 pan is perfect for this recipe and so many others. Plus, it’s under $10.
- Mandoline Slicer: Get perfectly even potato slices every time with a mandoline slicer.
- Onion Chopper: This onion chopper makes prepping your onions quick and tear-free.
- Pre-Cut Aluminum Foil: Protect your dishes and get an even bake with this pre-cut aluminum foil. It’s so convenient to just grab a sheet.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a great complement to the creamy potatoes. Their caramelized flavor balances well with the richness of the dish.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty potatoes.
Garlic Bread: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve with a slice of garlic bread. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. This is especially tasty in spring.
Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, consider adding some grilled chicken breasts or thighs. The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken complements the savory potatoes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Slice Potatoes Evenly: For consistent cooking, make sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices.
Pre-Cook Potatoes for Faster Cooking: If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them in the dish. This reduces the overall baking time and ensures tender potatoes.
Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before pouring it over the potatoes. Conversely, if you like it a bit thinner, add a little more milk.
Season the Layers: For extra flavor, sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder or paprika between the layers of potatoes and ham.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to the ham and onions. If you have access to fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, adding a few sprigs to the dish can enhance the flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into clean servings.
Cover with Foil to Prevent Over-Browning: If the top of the potatoes is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the last part of baking to prevent burning.
Try Different Cheeses: For a richer flavor, consider adding shredded cheese to the sauce or sprinkling some on top of the dish during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Leave a Reply