Description
Comforting, creamy, and cheesy — this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham casserole layers tender potatoes with savory diced ham in a rich, homemade sauce. A perfect way to use holiday leftovers and a guaranteed crowd-pleasing family dinner!
Ingredients
Potatoes and Ham
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the milk along with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until fully melted and smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly, then sprinkle half of the diced ham over them. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, diced ham, and cheese sauce.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the final layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Add vegetables inside the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor: peas, chopped broccoli, or spinach work well.
- For an even creamier sauce, substitute ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour in the sauce instead of all-purpose flour.
- For a crispy, browned top, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American