A Cozy Kitchen Memory
I still laugh at that. My grandson once called this dish “potato cake.” He was not wrong. These scalloped potatoes and ham bake up into something truly special. It is warm, creamy, and full of good things. It turns simple ingredients into a hug on a plate. That is why this matters. Cooking is about turning the everyday into something wonderful. This potato casserole does just that. It makes a regular Tuesday feel like a celebration. Do you have a food that makes you feel cozy and happy? I would love to hear about it.Why This Recipe Works So Well
This is my favorite leftover ham recipe. After a big holiday, you often have extra ham. This dish gives it a delicious new life. The secret is in the creamy sauce. You cook it slowly on the stove first. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes all the difference. *Fun fact: Using Yukon gold potatoes is a smart trick. They have a buttery flavor and creamy texture. They hold their shape but get perfectly tender in the oven. This makes for the best easy scalloped potatoes.*Layering Your Love
Let’s talk about how to make scalloped potatoes. The layering is simple. Think of it like making a lasagna, but with potatoes and ham. A layer of potatoes, then ham, then that lovely sauce. You do this three times. Ending with sauce on top makes a golden crust. This step matters because every bite gets a bit of everything. You won’t find a dry potato slice. Each one is coated in flavor. Do you like to add cheese? For cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham, just sprinkle it on near the end. It gets all bubbly and brown.The Waiting Game
The hardest part is waiting. After baking, let it sit for 15 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dig right in. But trust me. This lets the sauce settle. It makes slicing your baked ham and potatoes so much cleaner. The flavors also come together beautifully. This is a good lesson for cooking and for life. Good things often need a little rest. While you wait, the kitchen still smells wonderful. What is your favorite part of a recipe? Is it the mixing, the baking, or finally getting to eat?Your Turn in the Kitchen
This scalloped potatoes recipe is a family favorite. It feels fancy but is simple to put together. It is perfect for a busy weeknight or a Sunday supper. The whole house will smell like a warm welcome. I hope you try this scalloped potatoes with ham soon. Cooking is about sharing stories and full bellies. Will you make this for a special dinner or a quiet night in? Tell me how it goes in your kitchen.Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| butter | ⅓ cup | |
| onion | 1 small, diced | |
| all-purpose flour | ⅓ cup | |
| dried thyme leaves | ½ teaspoon | |
| milk | 3 cups | |
| chicken broth | ½ cup | |
| Yukon gold potatoes | 3 pounds, sliced ⅛” thick | |
| salt and black pepper | to taste | |
| diced cooked ham | 2 cups | |
| shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup | optional |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven warm at 350°F. Grease your big pan. This gets you ready for our potato casserole. I always do this first. It makes everything else feel easy.
Step 2: Now, cook your onion in butter. It smells so good! Stir in the flour and thyme. This makes the base for your creamy sauce. (A hard-learned tip: go slow and keep the heat medium-low so nothing burns.)
Step 3: Time for the milk. Add it bit by bit, whisking well. It will look funny, then get smooth. Stir in the broth. This is how to make scalloped potatoes creamy. What’s your favorite cozy smell in the kitchen? Share below!
Step 4: Let’s build our layers. Use a third of your potatoes, then ham, then sauce. Repeat. This makes every bite perfect. This easy scalloped potatoes method is my favorite. It’s the best baked ham and potatoes.
Step 5: Bake it covered, then uncovered. Add cheese near the end if you want cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham. Let it rest before serving. Waiting is hard, but it helps the sauce set. Your scalloped potatoes with ham is ready!
Creative Twists
Add sweet potatoes for a colorful, sweet-and-savory twist. Swap the ham for cooked sausage or bacon bits. Mix in a handful of fresh spinach with the layers. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This scalloped potatoes and ham is a full meal. But a simple green salad is lovely on the side. For a crunch, add some steamed green beans. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look pretty. This leftover ham recipe is so comforting. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Happy
Let’s talk about storing this cozy potato casserole. Once cool, cover it tightly. It will be good in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.
I remember my first big batch. I was so proud! But I didn’t wrap it right. The top got dry. Now I press plastic wrap right on the surface. This keeps the sauce creamy.
Batch cooking matters. It turns one cooking day into many easy meals. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven. This keeps the top nice and golden. The microwave can make it a bit soft.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Three Little Kitchen Fixes for Big Flavor
First, a watery sauce. If your sauce seems thin, just cook it longer. Let it bubble for a full minute. It will thicken up beautifully as it bakes.
Second, crunchy potatoes. Slice them evenly and thin. I use a simple mandoline. I once cut them too thick. They took forever to get tender!
Third, a bland dish. Do not skip salting each layer. Taste your sauce before pouring. This builds flavor from the inside out. Getting these right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes every bite taste like home.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make scalloped potatoes with ham
This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is a favorite. You make a creamy sauce with butter, flour, and milk. Layer it with thin potato slices and diced ham. Bake until bubbly and the potatoes are tender. It is the perfect baked ham and potatoes dish for a family dinner. The key is patience while the sauce thickens.
Can I use pre sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes
You can use pre-sliced potatoes from the store. It is a great shortcut for easy scalloped potatoes. Just pat them dry first. This removes extra starch and water. That step helps keep your potato casserole from getting too soggy. It is a wonderful time-saver on a busy day.
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin
Scalloped potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce. Au gratin potatoes have cheese in the sauce and on top. Our recipe is a cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham hybrid. You add cheese at the end if you like. *Fun fact: “au gratin” just means “with a browned crust.”
How do you keep scalloped potatoes from getting soggy
Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds. Slice them evenly and not too thick. Let the sauce boil for a full minute before layering. This thickens it. Finally, let the dish rest after baking. This lets the sauce set. Following these tips makes a perfect, creamy scalloped potatoes recipe every time.
What are the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for this. They hold their shape well. They also have a buttery flavor that is just right. Russet potatoes will also work. They soak up the sauce nicely. Both are great choices for your potato casserole. They make the dish comforting and rich.
Can you freeze leftover scalloped potatoes with ham
Yes, you can freeze this leftover ham recipe. Cool the dish completely first. Wrap it very tightly. It will keep for about three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this scalloped potatoes and ham as much as we do. It turns simple ingredients into a hug on a plate. It is my go-to leftover ham recipe after the holidays.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went for your family.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Sheet Pan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ pan and set aside.
- Cook onion and butter over medium low until onion is tender. Add thyme and flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn heat to low and add milk a little bit at a time whisking between each addition. The mixture will thicken but as you continue adding and whisking, it will smooth out. Stir in chicken broth, salt and pepper bring to a boil and allow to boil 1 minute.
- Place ⅓ of the potatoes topped with ⅓ of the ham and ⅓ of the sauce. Repeat layers ending with sauce on top.
- Bake covered for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 to 35 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes if using.
- Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (watch carefully). The cheese is optional but recommended for extra flavor.