Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Indulge in the comfort of Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, a classic dish that brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 3 cups milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 pounds white potatoes (sliced about 1/8″ thick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare and Preheat Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ baking pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Make Sauce In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the diced onion with butter until tender. Add thyme and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Create Creamy Sauce Reduce heat to low and gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 minute.
4. Layer Ingredients Arrange ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking pan, followed by ⅓ of the diced ham and ⅓ of the creamy sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the sauce on top.
5. Bake to Perfection Cover the pan and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add optional sharp cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes for a cheesy topping.
6. Serve and Garnish Allow the dish to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Pairing Suggestions: Serve Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.
3. Accompaniments: Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or rolls to mop up the delicious creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Ensure it is tightly wrapped in foil or stored in a freezer-safe container.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place portions in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess if needed.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham freshly and deliciously, whether serving for a cozy family dinner or storing leftovers for future meals.

Variations:

1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Add an additional 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese to the creamy sauce mixture.
   • Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
2. Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Stir in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the onion and butter mixture when sautéing.
   • Substitute Parmesan cheese for cheddar and sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Layer the potatoes and ham with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.
   • Top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.
4. Herb-Roasted Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder before layering with ham and sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme before serving.
5. Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes
   • Omit the ham and add layers of thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
   • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.
6. Spicy Cajun Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Season the creamy sauce with Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Add diced bell peppers and spicy sausage for extra heat and flavor.
7. Italian Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Use diced pancetta instead of ham.
   • Layer with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese.
   • Substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
8. Mexican Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Season the sauce with taco seasoning and add a can of diced green chilies.
   • Layer with corn, black beans, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
   • Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.
9. Asian-Inspired Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
   • Replace thyme with ginger and soy sauce in the creamy sauce.
   • Add layers of thinly sliced carrots, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
10. Greek Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
    • Layer with sliced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
    • Season with oregano and lemon zest in the creamy sauce.
    • Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
11. Smoky Bacon and Gouda Scalloped Potatoes
    • Substitute ham with crispy bacon pieces.
    • Use smoked Gouda cheese instead of cheddar for a rich, smoky flavor.
12. Maple Glazed Ham Scalloped Potatoes
    • Glaze the ham with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard before layering.
    • Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the potatoes for a hint of warmth.

These variations offer exciting twists on the classic Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences and explore new culinary experiences.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes instead of white potatoes. Adjust slicing thickness accordingly for even cooking.
2. Can I substitute the ham with another protein? Certainly! Cooked bacon, smoked sausage, or shredded chicken can be used as delicious alternatives to ham.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables or substitute with plant-based proteins.
4. Can I prepare Scalloped Potatoes and Ham ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adjusting baking time as needed.
5. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish? Grease the baking dish well before layering the potatoes to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper or a non-stick baking spray.
6. Can I freeze Scalloped Potatoes and Ham? Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped in foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. What can I serve with Scalloped Potatoes and Ham? It pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
8. How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through? Test with a fork or knife; potatoes should be tender when pierced. If they’re still firm, bake for additional time until desired tenderness is achieved.
9. Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar? Yes, you can substitute with Gruyère, Swiss, or any cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of potatoes and ham.
10. How do I make the sauce creamier? Increase the amount of milk or add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking. Stirring in additional cheese can also enhance creaminess.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about preparing and serving Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, ensuring a successful and enjoyable dining experience every time.