Discover the Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. It’s made with thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are cooked slowly in the oven until they are tender and golden brown.

To make scalloped potatoes with ham, you will need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
1 pound ham, diced
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Benefits:

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium.
It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6.
Scalloped potatoes with ham can be a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese.
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all milk instead.
For a crispier topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top of the potatoes before baking.
If you want to add some vegetables to this dish, try adding some chopped broccoli or cauliflower.
Scalloped potatoes with ham can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, and it’s also a perfect meal for a cold winter night.

Essential Aspects of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made with thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are cooked slowly in the oven until they are tender and golden brown.

There are seven key aspects to consider when making scalloped potatoes with ham:

Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will affect the final dish. Use fresh, high-quality potatoes, ham, and cheese.
Technique: The potatoes should be thinly sliced and cooked slowly in the oven. This will allow them to become tender and golden brown.
Flavor: The dish should be flavorful and well-seasoned. Use a combination of herbs, spices, and cheese to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Texture: The potatoes should be tender and creamy, while the ham should be slightly chewy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Presentation: The dish should be presented in an appealing way. Use a baking dish that is the right size and shape, and garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Versatility: Scalloped potatoes with ham can be served as a main course or a side dish. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Popularity: Scalloped potatoes with ham is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

These seven key aspects are essential to consider when making scalloped potatoes with ham. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients you use will have a significant impact on the final dish. This is especially true for scalloped potatoes with ham, as the flavors of the potatoes, ham, and cheese are all very important to the overall taste of the dish. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will ensure that your scalloped potatoes with ham are flavorful and delicious.

Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients for scalloped potatoes with ham:

Potatoes: Use a starchy potato, such as a Russet potato, for the best results. Starchy potatoes will hold their shape better during cooking and will create a creamier sauce.
Ham: Use a good quality ham that is not too salty. You can use either cooked or uncooked ham, but if you are using uncooked ham, be sure to cook it before adding it to the scalloped potatoes.
Cheese: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your scalloped potatoes with ham are made with the best possible ingredients and that they taste delicious.

Practical significance: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make your scalloped potatoes with ham more flavorful and delicious. It is worth taking the time to find the best ingredients you can, as it will make a big difference in the final dish.

Conclusion: The quality of the ingredients you use is one of the most important factors in determining the success of your scalloped potatoes with ham. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can ensure that your dish is flavorful and delicious.

Technique

The technique of thinly slicing the potatoes and cooking them slowly in the oven is essential for achieving the perfect scalloped potatoes with ham. Here are some of the key reasons why this technique is so important:

Thinly sliced potatoes cook more evenly. When potatoes are thinly sliced, they cook more evenly throughout, resulting in a more consistent texture. This is important for scalloped potatoes, as you want the potatoes to be tender and creamy, but not mushy.
Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop. Cooking the potatoes slowly in the oven allows the flavors of the potatoes, ham, and cheese to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish. This is especially important for scalloped potatoes with ham, as the ham adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Slow cooking prevents the potatoes from burning. Cooking the potatoes slowly also helps to prevent them from burning. This is important, as scalloped potatoes can easily burn if they are cooked at too high of a temperature.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your scalloped potatoes with ham are cooked perfectly every time.

Flavor

Flavor is one of the most important aspects of any dish, and scalloped potatoes with ham is no exception. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to scalloped potatoes with ham. Some good choices include thyme, rosemary, sage, and black pepper. You can also add a bit of garlic or onion powder for extra flavor.
Cheese: Cheese is another great way to add flavor to scalloped potatoes with ham. A sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Parmesan, Gruyre, or Swiss cheese.
Sauce: The sauce in scalloped potatoes with ham is also important for adding flavor. A simple bchamel sauce is a good choice, but you can also use a cream sauce or a cheese sauce.

By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and satisfying scalloped potatoes with ham dish that your family and friends will love.

Texture

The texture of scalloped potatoes with ham is an important part of the dish’s overall appeal. The potatoes should be tender and creamy, while the ham should be slightly chewy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tender potatoes: The potatoes should be cooked until they are tender, but not mushy. This can be achieved by slicing the potatoes thinly and cooking them slowly in the oven.
Chewy ham: The ham should be cooked until it is slightly chewy. This will give the dish a bit of texture and substance.
Melted cheese: The cheese should be melted and bubbly, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. This will help to bind the potatoes and ham together and create a cohesive dish.

By following these tips, you can create a scalloped potatoes with ham dish that is both flavorful and texturally appealing.

Presentation

The presentation of scalloped potatoes with ham is an important part of the overall dining experience. A well-presented dish is more inviting and appetizing, and it can make the difference between a good meal and a great meal.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when presenting scalloped potatoes with ham:

Use a baking dish that is the right size and shape. The baking dish should be large enough to accommodate the potatoes and ham without overcrowding, but it should not be so large that the potatoes and ham are spread too thinly. A 9×13-inch baking dish is a good size for most recipes.
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, add a touch of color and freshness to the dish. A sprinkle of paprika adds a bit of color and spice.

By following these tips, you can create a scalloped potatoes with ham dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Practical significance: A well-presented scalloped potatoes with ham dish is more inviting and appetizing, and it can make the difference between a good meal and a great meal. By taking the time to present your dish in an appealing way, you can show your guests that you care about their dining experience.

Versatility

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it can also be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for special occasions.

As a main course: Scalloped potatoes with ham is a hearty and filling dish that can easily be served as a main course. It is perfect for a cold winter night or for a special occasion.
As a side dish: Scalloped potatoes with ham can also be served as a side dish. It is a great accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork, or beef. It can also be served with vegetables or a salad.
Make ahead of time: Scalloped potatoes with ham can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for when you are entertaining guests.

No matter how you choose to serve it, scalloped potatoes with ham is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Popularity

The popularity of scalloped potatoes with ham can be attributed to several factors, including its taste, versatility, and ease of preparation. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that appeals to people of all ages. Scalloped potatoes with ham can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for special occasions.

Taste: Scalloped potatoes with ham is a delicious dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Versatility: Scalloped potatoes with ham can be served as a main course or a side dish. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for special occasions.
Ease of preparation: Scalloped potatoes with ham is a relatively easy dish to prepare. The ingredients are simple and the instructions are straightforward. This makes it a great option for beginner cooks or for those who are short on time.

The popularity of scalloped potatoes with ham is also evident in the fact that it is a common dish served at restaurants, potlucks, and other gatherings. It is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

A scalloped potato dish prepared with ham is a delectable and comforting meal, where thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham are baked in a creamy sauce with melted cheese on top. This dish is commonly served as a main course or a hearty side dish, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

The origins of scalloped potatoes with ham can be traced back to the 18th century, when cooks began experimenting with different ways to prepare potatoes. The dish gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, and it remains a beloved comfort food to this day.

There are numerous variations of the recipe for scalloped potatoes with ham. Some recipes call for the use of thinly sliced onions or bell peppers, while others incorporate different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyre, or Parmesan. The dish can also be customized to suit personal preferences, such as adjusting the amount of salt, pepper, or herbs used for seasoning.

FAQs

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. However, there are a few common questions that people have about this dish.

Question 1: What is the best type of potato to use for scalloped potatoes?

Answer: Russet potatoes are the best type of potato to use for scalloped potatoes. They are a starchy potato that will hold their shape well during cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used, but they will be a bit creamier.

Question 2: How do I slice the potatoes for scalloped potatoes?

Answer: The potatoes should be sliced thinly and evenly. This will help them to cook evenly and create a creamy sauce. A mandoline slicer can be used to slice the potatoes evenly, but a sharp knife can also be used.

Question 3: What type of ham should I use for scalloped potatoes?

Answer: Any type of ham can be used for scalloped potatoes, but a smoked ham will add a more flavorful taste. The ham should be diced into small pieces.

Question 4: What type of cheese should I use for scalloped potatoes?

Answer: A sharp cheddar cheese is the best type of cheese to use for scalloped potatoes. It will melt well and create a flavorful sauce. Other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, can also be used.

Question 5: How do I make sure my scalloped potatoes are creamy?

Answer: To make sure your scalloped potatoes are creamy, use a combination of milk and cream in the sauce. The cream will help to create a richer and creamier sauce.

Question 6: Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can make scalloped potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the dish and then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature and then bake as directed.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make a creamy and flavorful scalloped potatoes dish that your family and friends will love.

Transition to the next article section:

Next, we will discuss some of the different variations of scalloped potatoes with ham.

Conclusion

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. In this article, we have explored the history, variations, and tips for making scalloped potatoes with ham. We have also provided answers to some of the most common questions about this dish.

We hope that you have found this article to be informative and helpful. We encourage you to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find the perfect scalloped potatoes with ham dish for your taste. This dish is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy potatoes and ham. It can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. We hope that you will enjoy this dish as much as we do!