Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes layered with savory ham and rich cheese in a creamy milk and broth sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole combines aromatic onions and garlic with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese for a dish that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. Great for a family meal or special occasion, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.)
- 1 medium Onion (Provides aromatic depth; substitute with shallots or leeks.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Use garlic powder if fresh is not available.)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (Use low-fat or almond milk for a lighter version.)
- 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth (Keeps the dish gluten-free.)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes (Thinly sliced.)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour as an alternative.)
- 2 cups Diced Cooked Ham (Can be replaced with cooked bacon or omitted for a vegetarian option.)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Gruyere is a great alternative.)
- 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional but recommended.)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Chives, Thyme, or Parsley) (Optional for garnish.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent to release its sweetness. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the whole milk and chicken broth into the pot with the onions and garlic. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir and set the mixture aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes. Toss the potato slices with all-purpose flour evenly, which will help thicken the sauce as it bakes.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking. Begin layering the potato slices in the dish. Pour some of the milk mixture over the potatoes, then add diced ham and sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese between the layers. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered and Broil: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 25 minutes to let the top brown. Then sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese over the surface and broil the casserole until the parmesan turns golden and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 20-25 minutes. This resting period helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use low-fat or almond milk for a lighter, lower-calorie dish.
- The ham can be swapped with cooked bacon or omitted entirely for a vegetarian version.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
- Gruyere cheese is a delicious alternative to sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
- Use a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thin potato slices for even cooking.
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Ham Casserole, Comfort Food, Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Potato Dish, Holiday Side Dish
