Make your lunch or dinner meals even more exciting with this cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham recipe! It makes a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole dish that consists of layers upon layers of sliced potatoes, diced ham, milk, and sauteed onions. Baked with some grated cheddar cheese on top, it’s sure to have the perfect golden brown finish. Enjoy these baked scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese alongside a tasty pan-seared shrimp to complete your meal.
What’s in Our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole?
These are some of the main ingredients you’ll need to perfect this cheesy potato and ham-filled dish:
- Ham – You don’t need expensive cuts of meat for this ham and potato casserole recipe. Simply use leftover baked ham or holiday ham, and you’re good to go! Or, if you don’t have those, then ham steak or deli ham will also work.
- Potatoes – We used waxy, white potatoes to make this casserole dish. This is the best potato for scalloped potatoes, but other types of potatoes such as russet or Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for this recipe. They have just the right amount of starch for baking. The spuds also give the dish that creamy and rich finish!
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese is the best cheese for this dish. It has a tangier and much sharper flavor than the regular shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use Velveeta cheese, Swiss cheese, or Colby Jack cheese as alternatives, or mix and match to your preference.
- Milk or cream – Use whole milk for a richer and creamier dish. You can also use half and half, a combination of equal parts milk and cream, so it would be extra thick and creamy. For a healthier alternative, skim milk, low-fat milk, or 2% milk also work for this recipe.
Tips on Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole
This cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham is so easy to make for the family! Turn your sliced potatoes into a scrumptious, creamy casserole dish with just a few simple ingredients. Make the most out of this ham and scalloped potatoes dish by checking some of our helpful tips down below:
- Don’t parboil potatoes, only wash and peel them. Rinsing them under cool, running water helps remove the leftover dirt. Afterwards, peel and slice them into thin cuts so that it’s easier for them to become fork-tender while baking. Simply arrange the scalloped potatoes on a casserole dish and layer with the remaining ingredients.
- Grate cheese by yourself. Instead of buying pre-shredded cheese, we highly recommend grating them by yourself so it melts faster and more easily. Pre-shredded cheeses are usually coated with anti-caking agents. This means that they won’t melt as easily when mixed into the sauce.
- Try adding flour to thicken the dish. You can either make a roux (a combination of flour and butter or other kinds of fat), or a slurry containing 2 tablespoons of flour with a little bit of water. Whisk until it’s thickened, and then pour all over the dish.
How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole
This cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is made with layers of tender sliced potatoes, ham, and sauteed onions. Drenched in milk and garnished with sharp shredded cheese, this dish is baked until perfectly golden brown.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 white potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, or Colby jack cheese, grated
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp green onions, for garnish
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until soft, for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Place a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of a 4-qt. casserole dish or baking dish.
- Add about ⅓ of the butter-onion mixture and 4 oz of the diced ham.
- Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
- Continue to repeat this pattern for 3 additional layers, ending with a potato layer on top.
- Pour milk all over the dish. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and add cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle green onions or fresh chopped parsley on top of the casserole, and serve with sour cream. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- To store the dish, wrap it in aluminum foil and then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, place in the oven with the aluminum foil covering it. Reheat at 350 degrees F, or until heated through. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition
- Sugar: 5g
- :
- Calcium: 424mg
- Calories: 652kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
- Fat: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Iron: 2mg
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Potassium: 996mg
- Protein: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 1406mg
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Vitamin A: 912IU
- Vitamin C: 29mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between au gratin potatoes and scalloped potatoes?
The main difference between these two dishes is that au gratin potatoes contain cheese, whereas scalloped potatoes are just potatoes cooked in cream. But, over time, these two potato recipes have essentially become so interchangeable that either dish can be cooked with cheese and cream. For instance, this easy scalloped potatoes and ham recipe uses shredded cheese as its main topping.
What pairs well with cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham?
Whether you’re serving these as a main or side dish, these homemade scalloped potatoes and ham will taste wonderful with a meat or seafood pairing. Try serving this casserole dish with a hearty grilled beef tenderloin to enjoy a filling meal. Or, make this buttery broiled lobster tail dish that’s seasoned with herbs, garlic, and spices.
Conclusion
This cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole recipe will surely satisfy your potato and cheese cravings. It's a quick and easy homemade casserole dish that you can enjoy with your family and friends! Pair with other main dishes for a satisfying meal experience.Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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