Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese Recipe

Oh, friends, there’s just something truly magical about a dish that wraps you in a warm hug from the very first bite, isn’t there? Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe for creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese that does just that. Layers of tender potatoes, rich ham, and a dreamy, cheesy sauce—it’s the kind of comfort food that speaks to the soul, promising a symphony of flavors and textures in every forkful.

I still remember my grandmother, apron-clad and humming a little tune, layering potatoes in her well-loved casserole dish. While she often made hers plain, the thought of adding savory ham and luscious cheese always sparked my childhood imagination. Years later, after countless experiments and a few delightful kitchen mishaps, I perfected this version, a true testament to simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

This incredible dish isn’t just easy to assemble; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. The beauty of these creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is how effortlessly they bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. My top tip? Don’t rush the baking; that slow, gentle heat is what makes the potatoes utterly melt-in-your-mouth tender.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese relies on a few pantry staples, creating a symphony of flavors that truly sings. The star is, of course, the humble potato, elevated by creamy whole milk, rich butter, and a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheeses, beautifully balanced with savory cooked ham. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese

Making these scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is a journey of layering simple ingredients into something truly special. First, you’ll thinly slice your potatoes, then prepare a rich, cheesy sauce. After that, it’s all about creating beautiful layers of potatoes, ham, and cheese, bathed in that velvety sauce, before letting your oven work its magic. It’s an approachable process that builds anticipation for a truly comforting meal.

Creamy Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with savory diced ham, perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for a hint of warmth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided (1.5 cups for sauce, 0.5 cups for topping)
• 1.5 cups cooked ham diced (about 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese shredded (optional, or use more cheddar)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mandoline slicer (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Peel potatoes and slice them very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for even slices. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
6. Spoon one-third of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato layer.
7. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the Gruyere cheese (if using) over the sauce.
8. Repeat layers: another one-third of potatoes, another one-third of sauce, and the remaining ham and Gruyere cheese.
9. Finish with the last layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining cheese sauce.
10. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (a knife should easily pierce through) and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can sauté a finely diced small onion or shallot with the butter before adding the flour. To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to step 9, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Making This scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese

After countless batches of these wonderful scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, I’ve gathered a few little secrets to ensure yours turn out perfectly every single time. These are the tricks I rely on to get that dreamy texture and irresistible flavor.

• 
  

  Slice Those Potatoes Thin and Even: My secret trick: Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform potato slices. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistently tender dish. Uneven slices can lead to some being crunchy and others mushy, and we definitely don’t want that!

  
  
• 
  

  Embrace the Low and Slow Bake: I always recommend baking this dish at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period. This gentle heat allows the potatoes to slowly absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness and become incredibly tender without drying out the edges. Patience truly pays off here.

  
  
• 
  

  Don’t Skimp on the Cheese Layers: For the ultimate creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, I believe in generous layers of both sharp cheddar and Gruyere. The combination offers a fantastic depth of flavor and that beautiful, bubbly crust we all adore. Don’t be shy!

  
  
• 
  

  Season as You Go: My top tip is to season your potato layers lightly with salt and pepper as you build the casserole, not just the sauce. This ensures every bite of your ham and cheese scalloped potatoes is perfectly seasoned from the inside out.

  
  

Fun Variations for scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese

The beauty of these creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is how wonderfully versatile they are! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. My friend Sarah always loves when I add a little something extra, and I encourage you to do the same!

Seasonal Veggie Boost

Why not tuck in some finely chopped seasonal vegetables? Think sweet caramelized onions, thinly sliced leeks, or even some frozen peas added in the last 15 minutes of baking. A touch of sautéed spinach could also be lovely.

Spice It Up!

If you like a little kick, a pinch more cayenne pepper, or a small dash of smoked paprika will elevate the flavor of your scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese. My sister always asks me to add a tiny bit of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth that complements the ham perfectly.

Cheese Swap

While cheddar and Gruyere are a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a little Parmesan grated over the top for the last few minutes of baking could add a unique twist to these creamy potatoes.

What to Serve With scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese

These hearty scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese are truly a meal in themselves, but sometimes a little something extra can round out the plate beautifully. I often think about what my family loves when I set out to serve this comforting dish.

A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing counterpoint to the rich creaminess. I love serving it with a simple mixed greens salad, perhaps with some cherry tomatoes and a tangy dressing to cut through the richness. My mom always pairs it with steamed green beans for a pop of color and freshness. For a quick weeknight option, a side of roasted asparagus or a simple bowl of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce would be absolutely perfect.

How to Store scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese

Knowing how to properly store your delightful scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese means you can enjoy that comforting goodness for days to come! It’s all about keeping those tender potatoes and creamy sauce as delicious as they were fresh out of the oven.

Refrigeration Tips

Leftover creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to prevent condensation, which can make things soggy.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For a larger amount, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling and hot. I like to add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little dry, and sometimes a fresh dusting of parsley after reheating brings it back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

While we cherish the indulgent comfort of scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese, it’s lovely to know that this heartwarming dish offers some good-for-you elements too. The potatoes provide a source of potassium and vitamin C, while the ham contributes protein. The dairy from the milk and cheese adds calcium and essential vitamins, making it a satisfying and relatively balanced meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Faq 2

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
I find that starchy potatoes like Russet or waxy varieties like Yukon Gold work beautifully for these creamy scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese. They both hold their shape well while becoming wonderfully tender.

Faq 3

Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese?
Yes, you can! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Faq 4

Why did my scalloped potatoes turn out watery?
This often happens if the potatoes aren’t sliced thinly enough, or if the sauce isn’t thickened properly. Ensure your roux is well-cooked and the milk comes to a gentle simmer to thicken before layering with the scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese.

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear baking friends—a recipe for scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese that I truly hope brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. This dish is a beautiful reminder that with a little love and patience, simple ingredients can transform into the most comforting, memory-making meals. So go on, gather your loved ones, bake a batch of these golden, creamy potatoes, and create some sweet, savory memories together. Happy baking!