Looking for the perfect way to use up leftover ham? This scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in this old-fashioned scalloped potatoes with ham dish that’s been a family favorite for decades. In fact, if you are inContinue Reading The post Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe {Ultimate Comfort Food!} appeared first on Living Well Mom.
Looking for the perfect way to use up leftover ham? This scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food!
Layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in this old-fashioned scalloped potatoes with ham dish that’s been a family favorite for decades.
In fact, if you are in need of a side dish that’s guaranteed to be loved by everyone at your dining table, look no further! This scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is greeted with actual cheers from my family every time I pull it out of the oven. It’s that good!
I’ll show you exactly how to put this simple dish together – bookmark this recipe because you will absolutely reach for this one over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy – The rich sauce coats every bite!
- Great for Leftovers – Perfect for using up holiday ham.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and just a few steps.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this one is fairly short and consists of “real” food ingredients like butter, flour, milk, and spices, along with potatoes and ham. Just like grandma used to make!
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this decadent dish:
- Butter
- Flour
- Dried parsley flakes
- Salt
- Dried thyme
- Pepper
- Minced onion
- Milk
- Thinly sliced potatoes – make sure to slice them thinly and about the same thickness so they all cook evenly
- Chopped cooked ham
Note: One batch makes one large casserole dish or approximately 6-8 servings. In my family of 6, we never have leftovers!
Instructions
To make the casserole, start by melting the butter in a saucepan. I recommend doing this on medium-low, as anything higher can lead to scorched butter. For this dish, we want to keep that smooth buttery flavor!
Then, add the flour, parsley, salt, thyme, pepper, and minced onion.
Stir until smooth. I find this is best done when I use a whisk rather than a spoon. Next, gradually add the milk.
Turn the heat up to medium and bring to a boil. You don’t have to stir constantly, but keep a close watch on it and stir regularly. Milk sauces burn quickly if they aren’t watched.
Once it’s boiling, cook and stir for 2 minutes. Then, remove from the heat.
Next, grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with a little (more!) butter. You could also use a 9×13″ pan – you want to make sure the potatoes are nice and thick (as pictured). Otherwise, they can get overcooked.
Now, layer potatoes on the bottom, then top with a layer of ham. You’ll do several layers, so try to keep it as even as possible so every bite has some of that yummy flavor combo!
Lastly, pour some of that sauce on top.
Continue layering with ham, potatoes, and sauce until you reach the top. I’ve found that about 3-4 layers are right for this dish. Then, top with the remaining sauce.
Cover and bake at 375º for 45-60 minutes or more until the potatoes are almost tender. You should be able to tell by poking with a fork. If the fork has a bit of resistance but can still go through – you are ready for the next step!
Top with the remaining butter and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes longer or until the potatoes are fully tender.
My family was fighting me to dig into the dish before I could get a better picture. Now, that’s some evidence that this is a favorite!
It’s that good.
How to Store Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers with this dish, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 2-3 days this way.
Expert Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Cut thin, even slices for even cooking – Use a mandolin for perfectly even potatoes, or enjoy a meditative time slicing with a chef’s knife.
- Don’t skip the rest time – Letting the dish sit after baking helps the sauce set. Yes, even if your kids are fighting you for a bite. Stay strong!
- Add a bit of cheese – Sharp cheddar adds depth, but Swiss or gouda work great, too!
- Make it ahead – Assemble it a day in advance and bake it when ready!
FAQs
Can you freeze scalloped potatoes and ham?
Yes, scalloped potatoes and ham can be frozen. To do so, I recommend baking it until the potatoes are slightly underbaked. Then, make sure to cool the dish completely and cover it with a lid or foil before placing it in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator. Then bake it to reheat and finish cooking the potatoes.
What do I serve with scalloped potatoes and ham?
A light, steamed vegetable like green beans or broccoli is a classic pairing for scalloped potatoes and ham.
How do I tell if the scalloped potatoes are done cooking?
The best way to tell if the potatoes are done is to insert a fork into the center of the dish. If the fork goes through the potatoes with little resistance, they are done.
Can I use leftover ham on this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use leftover ham – we sure do! While you can make this dish any time of year, I’ve found myself making this recipe after the holidays when I have a lot of ham left over, like from Easter or Christmas dinner.
In fact, one of the nice things about the holidays is that even though there’s lots of cooking and baking, afterward, there are usually plenty of leftovers. This means mom gets a much-deserved break from cooking.
Eventually, though, you may get tired of ham sandwiches and decide you want to cook something. Why not put that leftover ham to good use? 
More Side Dishes to Try
- Cottage Cheese Potatoes
- Whipped Butternut Squash
- Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (Gluten Free!)
Just pin it below to find the recipe later!
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Print RecipeWith a creamy flavorful sauce, chunks of ham, and sliced potatoes, this main dish has become a tried and true family favorite recipe.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1–2 tsp minced onion
- 3 cups milk
- 6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 medium-large potatoes)
- 1.5 cups cooked ham, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour, parsley, salt, thyme, pepper, and minced onion until smooth. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. Whisk to keep smooth. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- In a greased 2.5 quart casserole dish, layer potatoes and ham with sauce spooned over. Repeat layers (usually 3-4). Top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover and bake for 65-75 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender. Dot with remaining butter and bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes longer or until potatoes are fully tender.
The post Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe {Ultimate Comfort Food!} appeared first on Living Well Mom.
