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Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham - Delicious Meal Ideas

I first stumbled upon scalloped potatoes and ham sort of by accident. One rainy day, I had some leftover ham from a family dinner, and a few Yukon gold potatoes were staring at me from the pantry. The idea hit me like a light bulb. 
Just like that, I transformed the leftover meat into a creamy, cheesy dish. Fast forward a decade, and this recipe has become a staple in my home. Every time I make it, I think about the memories, the laughter, and the warmth this dish brings. If you're looking for an easy yet delightful meal that will satisfy both the hungry and the picky, you’ve come to the right place.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced about ⅛" thick
  • 2 cups diced, cooked smoked ham
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional but recommended for richness
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder for added depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard enhances creaminess and sharpens flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly and reaches that perfect, bubbly state.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Wash and peel the Yukon gold potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice them into ⅛-inch rounds. Try to keep them even for consistent cooking later. Set aside the sliced potatoes.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the finely diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
  1. Once the onion is ready, it’s time to add the flour. Whisk it in, cooking for about a minute. Gradually add the whole milk and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 5: Layer the Dish
  1. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start layering. Place half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the diced ham over the potatoes, then pour half of the sauce on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
  1. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it generously on top of the final layer of sauce. This will create a beautifully browned and gooey top layer.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 8: Let it Rest
  1. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the layers set and make serving much easier.

Notes

  • Uniform Slicing: Aim for even potato slices. A mandoline can be a lifesaver here.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
  • Cheese Variation: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
  • Meat Options: If you don’t have ham, consider using bacon or cooked chicken for protein.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day!