There is something deeply comforting about pulling a bubbling dish of scalloped potatoes and ham from the oven. The scent of butter, cream, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, and the golden top promises layers of tender potatoes tucked between savory bites of ham. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without needing to be called twice. It is hearty enough for a Sunday supper and practical enough to make good use of leftover ham from a holiday roast.
Selecting the Right Potato Variety
Success with this recipe depends heavily on your choice of potato. In my kitchen, I typically reach for Yukon Gold. These potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and a waxy texture that allows them to hold their shape even after an hour in the hot oven. They release just enough starch to help thicken the sauce without turning the entire dish into a tray of mashed potatoes.
If you prefer a softer, fluffier result, Russets are a fine alternative. Their high starch content creates a very thick, velvety sauce. However, you must be careful not to overcook them, as they can become somewhat grainy if left in the oven for too long.
The Technical Importance of Slicing
Regardless of the variety you select, the thickness of your slices is the most critical technical detail. I recommend aiming for exactly one-eighth of an inch. If the slices are too thick, they will remain firm while the sauce evaporates. If they are too thin, they will dissolve into the liquid.
Using a mandoline is the most efficient way to achieve this level of consistency. If you do not have one, a sharp chef knife and a steady hand will get the job done just as well. Consistency ensures that every potato in the dish finishes cooking at exactly the same time.
Choosing Quality Ham and Cheese
The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to give new life to a holiday ham. If you have a bone-in ham from a previous celebration, the meat near the bone is often the most flavorful. If you are starting from scratch, a thick-cut ham steak from the butcher is superior to the pre-packaged deli varieties. You want small, half-inch cubes that provide a smoky contrast in every bite.
While the sauce provides the creaminess, the cheese provides the soul of the dish. I use a combination of three specific cheeses. Sharp yellow cheddar is the primary flavor driver. Mozzarella is added for its superior melting properties and that iconic cheese pull. Finally, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan on the top creates a salty, golden crust that provides a much-needed texture contrast.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
This preparation yields a heavy, bubbling casserole that serves as a complete meal. The following measurements and methods ensure a balanced ratio of starch, protein, and cream.
Essential Ingredients
- Three pounds of potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or Russet, cleaned and peeled.
- Two cups of cooked ham, diced into half-inch pieces.
- Four tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Four tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- Two teaspoons of minced garlic.
- One teaspoon of onion powder.
- One teaspoon of dry mustard powder.
- Half a teaspoon of salt, adjusted based on the saltiness of the ham.
- Half a teaspoon of cracked black pepper.
- One and a half cups of chicken broth.
- One cup of heavy cream.
- One and a half cups of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded.
- One cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded.
- One quarter cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated.
Preparing the Baking Dish and Potatoes
Before you begin the assembly, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by coating the bottom and sides with butter or a light layer of non-stick spray. This prevents the starch from the potatoes from bonding to the dish during the long bake time.
Once the potatoes are peeled, slice them into uniform rounds. If you are working slowly, you can keep the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Make sure to pat them completely dry before assembling the dish. Excess water on the potatoes will thin out your sauce and lead to a runny consistency.
Creating the Flavorful Roux Base
Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and melt the four tablespoons of butter. Once the butter begins to foam, add the minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds until it becomes fragrant but not brown. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste.
Continue to stir this mixture for about ninety seconds. This brief cooking time is essential for developing a toasted flavor and ensuring the sauce thickens properly. It also removes the raw flour taste that can ruin a delicate cream sauce.
Simmering the Savory Cream Sauce
Add the onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. It will look lumpy at first, but keep whisking and it will smooth out into a thick base. Once the broth is incorporated, pour in the heavy cream.
Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a gentle simmer. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once it reaches this consistency, remove the pan from the heat so it does not over-reduce.
Layering the Ingredients for Balance
A great scalloped potato dish is built in stages. Begin by arranging one third of your potato slices in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter one third of the diced ham over the potatoes. Pour approximately one third of the hot cream sauce over this layer, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
Repeat this process two more times. You will have three distinct layers of potatoes, ham, and sauce. By layering the ingredients this way, you ensure that every forkful has the right balance of components. Do not add the shredded cheese yet, as it will burn before the potatoes are soft.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preparation and SlicingPreheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Peel your potatoes and slice them into uniform rounds exactly one-eighth of an inch thick. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Creating the Sauce BaseMelt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, then whisk in the flour to form a paste. Cook the roux for 90 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
- Simmering the CreamWhisk the onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon, then remove from heat.
- Layering the DishPlace one third of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Top with one third of the ham and one third of the sauce. Repeat these layers two more times until all ingredients are used.
- The First BakeCover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Check for tenderness by piercing the center with a knife.
- Adding the CheeseRemove the foil and sprinkle the combined cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- The Resting PeriodRemove from the oven and let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the layers to set properly before slicing.
Notes
Cheese Tip: Always grate your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-clumping agents that prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.
Salt Control: Since ham is naturally salty, taste your sauce before adding the full amount of extra salt.
The Initial Steam and Bake Period
Cover the baking dish tightly with a sheet of aluminum foil. This step is vital because it traps the steam generated by the broth and cream. This steam is what actually cooks the potatoes. Without the foil, the liquid would evaporate too quickly, leaving you with crunchy potatoes.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. At the end of this time, you should be able to easily pierce a potato in the center of the dish with a sharp knife. If there is still resistance, cover it back up and give it another five minutes.
Adding the Cheese and Final Browning
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the foil. Combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
During this final stage, the cheese will melt and begin to brown in spots. The sauce around the edges will become thick and bubbly. If you prefer a darker, crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last two minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Allowing the Casserole to Set
The hardest part of this recipe is waiting once it comes out of the oven. You must let the casserole rest on the counter for at least 15 minutes before serving. When the dish first emerges, the sauce will appear quite liquid.
As it sits and the temperature drops slightly, the starches in the potatoes will fully set. The sauce will transform into a velvety coating that clings to the vegetables. This resting time also makes the dish much easier to scoop and serve in neat, beautiful portions.
Storage and Reheating Recommendations
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, I suggest using the oven at 350 degrees rather than the microwave. Cover the dish with foil and add a splash of milk or broth if it looks a little dry.
This recipe is a slow-cooked labor of love that rewards patience with incredible depth of flavor. Whether you are serving it for a festive holiday dinner or a quiet evening at home, these cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham are a testament to the enduring appeal of quality ingredients prepared with care.
Hi, I’m Josie Erin. At TheRecipeBites, I turn simple, everyday ingredients into flavorful bites that make every meal memorable. I believe great food doesn’t have to be complicated it just needs the right balance of flavor, creativity, and love. From quick weeknight dinners to sweet treats worth sharing, I’m here to help you cook with confidence and enjoy every bite.
