Ham And Scalloped Potatoes

 

🥔 Ham and Scalloped Potatoes: Classic Comfort Food in One Dish

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Ham and Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy potatoes layered with tender ham create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights at home. This dish is rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and makes excellent leftovers, which means everyone can enjoy it more than once!

With its golden, bubbly top and luscious layers, this casserole is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

---

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one meal: Creamy potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese in one dish.

• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

• Make-ahead convenience: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.

• Versatile: Works perfectly for weeknights, special occasions, or potlucks.

---

🧂 Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

• 2 cups diced cooked ham

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups milk

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for topping)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

3. Layer the casserole:
   In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the diced ham. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layers. Repeat with remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.

4. Top with cheese:
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar on top. Add paprika for color if desired.

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Allow to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

---

💡 Tips & Variations

• Cheese options: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for added flavor.

• Add vegetables: Layer in peas, onions, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

• Leftover ham: This is a perfect recipe for using holiday ham leftovers.

• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake the next day.

---

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• A crisp garden salad

• Freshly baked bread or dinner rolls

This hearty casserole works perfectly as a main dish for dinner or as a comforting side for holiday meals.

---

❤️ Final Thoughts

Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, Ham and Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table. Easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.