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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

creamy scalloped potatoes with ham - featured image

A cozy, easy-to-make comfort meal featuring layers of tender potatoes, smoky ham, and melty cheese baked in a rich cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced (about 225g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360ml)
  • ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (45g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter mixture and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce.
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
  5. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle a portion of diced ham and some shredded cheese over the potatoes. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
  6. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the layers, making sure it seeps into all the crevices, coating the potatoes and ham thoroughly.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. A knife inserted in the center should slide in easily.
  9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken and make slicing easier.

Notes

If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil. Let the dish rest after baking for better texture and easier slicing. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices. Adjust salt carefully due to salty ham and cheese. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, ham, creamy potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, cozy meal