Oh, the simple joy of combining potatoes and ham—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish takes me back to family gatherings where the air was filled with laughter and the aroma of something baking—something comforting. Whether it’s the creamy layers or the savory ham, there’s a magic in these scalloped potatoes that just can’t be pinned down, kind of like that unexpected viral dance trend on TikTok that you find yourself trying at home.
Steps
- Wash and scrub three pounds of potatoes, using Russets or Yukon Golds if available. Cut leftover ham into strips and then dice it, along with an onion.
- Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for a few minutes, followed by the ham, and continue cooking until heated through.
- Warm a mixture of half-and-half and heavy cream in the microwave, then whisk in flour, salt, and plenty of pepper until combined.
- Grate your choice of cheese, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch slices.
- If desired, briefly boil the potato slices to speed up the cooking process, then drain them. Butter a large baking dish and layer a third of the potato slices at the bottom.
- Add a third of the ham and onion mixture, a third of the grated cheese, and a third of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with two more layers, ending with the remaining potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream.
- Sprinkle the top with additional pepper, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cut into squares to serve and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious scalloped potatoes with ham.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
- Leftover ham, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Grated cheese (regular cheddar and white cheddar, or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
FAQ
- Do scalloped potatoes include cheese?
- Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are made without cheese, while potatoes au gratin do contain it. However, I love adding cheese to my scalloped potatoes, using two different kinds to enhance the flavor.
- Why do scalloped potatoes take a while to cook?
- Potatoes naturally require a longer cooking time to become tender. To speed up the process, slice them thinly using a mandolin. For even quicker results, boil the slices for three to five minutes before assembling the casserole.
- What pairs well with scalloped potatoes?
- Scalloped potatoes are rich and filling, especially when ham is included. A simple salad is a perfect complement for a complete meal. Alternatively, they can be served as a side dish alongside roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or beef.
- Can the ham be omitted from scalloped potatoes?
- Absolutely, you can leave out the ham if you prefer or don’t have any on hand. The dish will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can use cooked, chopped bacon instead for a different flavor.
- Can scalloped potatoes be prepared in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked. Take it out 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. You might need to extend the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Tips
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice your potatoes as thinly as possible. This ensures they cook evenly and reduces the overall cooking time.
- Pre-cook Potato Slices: For quicker cooking, consider boiling the potato slices for three to five minutes before assembling the casserole. This step is optional but can help speed up the baking process.
- Warm the Cream Mixture: Before mixing it with the potatoes, warm the half-and-half and heavy cream mixture in the microwave. This helps it integrate more smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Layer Thoughtfully: When assembling your casserole, distribute the ingredients evenly across layers. Go easy on the cheese and ham per layer, as the flavors will meld together throughout the dish.
Equipment
- Mandoline or Japanese slicer
- Large baking dish
- Whisk
