The Best Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: An Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are cooked until they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

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

• 3 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound of ham, cooked and diced
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, ham, cheese, milk, heavy cream, butter, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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

1. Use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes thinly. This will help them cook evenly.
2. Don’t overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can make the potatoes tough.
3. Use a good quality cheese. The cheese will melt and become creamy, adding flavor and richness to the dish.
4. Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be tender, but not mushy.
5. Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will give the cheese time to set and the potatoes time to absorb the flavors.

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give scalloped potatoes with ham a try.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a relatively easy dish to make, which makes it a popular choice for busy families.

• Potatoes: The potatoes are the main ingredient in scalloped potatoes with ham. They should be thinly sliced so that they cook evenly. Russet potatoes are a good choice for this dish because they are starchy and will hold their shape well.
• Ham: The ham adds flavor and protein to the dish. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as baking, frying, or grilling. Diced ham is a good choice for this dish because it is easy to mix with the other ingredients.
• Cheese: The cheese adds richness and creaminess to the dish. It can be any type of cheese that you like, but cheddar cheese is a classic choice.
• Milk: The milk helps to create a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham. It can be whole milk, low-fat milk, or even skim milk.
• Seasonings: The seasonings add flavor to the dish. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
• Cooking method: Scalloped potatoes with ham can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop. Baking is the more traditional method, but cooking on the stovetop is faster.

These are just a few of the essential aspects of scalloped potatoes with ham. By understanding these aspects, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that your family and friends will love.

Potatoes

The type of potato used in scalloped potatoes with ham can greatly impact the final dish. Potatoes can be classified into two main types: starchy and waxy. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets, are best for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape well and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, are not as good for scalloped potatoes because they tend to fall apart during cooking.

• Starchy potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture. They have a firm texture and a slightly mealy interior. Starchy potatoes are good for baking, roasting, and frying.

  Examples of starchy potatoes include: Russet potatoes, Idaho potatoes, and baking potatoes.

• Waxy potatoes are low in starch and high in moisture. They have a smooth, waxy texture and a firm interior. Waxy potatoes are good for boiling, steaming, and making potato salad.

  Examples of waxy potatoes include: Yukon Gold potatoes, Red potatoes, and New potatoes.

For scalloped potatoes with ham, it is important to use thinly sliced potatoes. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes.

Once the potatoes are sliced, they should be rinsed in cold water to remove any excess starch. This will help to prevent the potatoes from sticking together during cooking.

By following these tips, you can choose the right type of potato and slice them properly to create delicious scalloped potatoes with ham.

Ham

Ham is an essential ingredient in scalloped potatoes with ham. It adds flavor, protein, and richness to the dish. Ham can be cooked in a variety of ways, but diced ham is a good choice for scalloped potatoes because it is easy to mix with the other ingredients.

The type of ham used in scalloped potatoes with ham can also affect the flavor of the dish. Smoked ham will add a more intense flavor than unsmoked ham. Cooked ham is also a good choice for scalloped potatoes because it is already cooked and can be added to the dish without any additional preparation.

In addition to adding flavor and protein, ham also helps to thicken the sauce in scalloped potatoes. The starch in the ham will help to create a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and other ingredients.

Overall, ham is an important ingredient in scalloped potatoes with ham. It adds flavor, protein, richness, and helps to thicken the sauce. By choosing the right type of ham and cooking it properly, you can create a delicious and flavorful scalloped potatoes with ham dish.

Cheese

Cheese is an essential ingredient in scalloped potatoes with ham. It adds richness, creaminess, and flavor to the dish. There are many different types of cheese that can be used in scalloped potatoes with ham, but cheddar cheese is a classic choice.

• Flavor: Cheddar cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in scalloped potatoes with ham. It is also a good melting cheese, which means that it will create a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham.
• Texture: Cheddar cheese has a firm texture that will hold its shape when melted. This is important in scalloped potatoes with ham because it prevents the cheese from becoming too runny.
• Availability: Cheddar cheese is a widely available cheese that can be found in most grocery stores. It is also relatively inexpensive, which makes it a good value for your money.

In addition to cheddar cheese, there are many other types of cheese that can be used in scalloped potatoes with ham. Some popular choices include:

• Gruyere cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Parmesan cheese

The type of cheese that you use in scalloped potatoes with ham is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the one that you like best.

Milk

Milk is an essential ingredient in scalloped potatoes with ham. It helps to create a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham, making the dish rich and flavorful. The type of milk that you use will affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Whole milk will create a richer, creamier sauce, while low-fat milk or skim milk will create a lighter sauce.

• Flavor: Milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to scalloped potatoes with ham. Whole milk will add a richer flavor than low-fat milk or skim milk.
• Texture: Milk helps to create a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham. The fat content of the milk will affect the thickness of the sauce. Whole milk will create a thicker sauce than low-fat milk or skim milk.
• Nutritional value: Whole milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Low-fat milk and skim milk are lower in fat and calories, but they still contain protein and calcium.

Ultimately, the type of milk that you use in scalloped potatoes with ham is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, use whole milk. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use low-fat milk or skim milk. No matter what type of milk you use, you’ll end up with a delicious and flavorful dish.

Seasonings

Seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of scalloped potatoes with ham. They add depth and complexity to the dish, making it more satisfying and enjoyable.

• Salt and Pepper: These two basic seasonings are essential for any dish, and they are especially important in scalloped potatoes with ham. Salt helps to draw out the natural flavors of the potatoes and ham, while pepper adds a bit of spice.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that adds a savory, garlicky flavor to scalloped potatoes with ham. It is a good choice for those who enjoy the taste of garlic but do not want to use fresh garlic, which can be overpowering.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder is another versatile seasoning that adds a sweet, oniony flavor to scalloped potatoes with ham. It is a good choice for those who enjoy the taste of onions but do not want to use fresh onions, which can be strong.
• Paprika: Paprika is a spice that adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to scalloped potatoes with ham. It is a good choice for those who enjoy the taste of smoked paprika but do not want to use smoked ham, which can be expensive.

In addition to the seasonings listed above, you can also add other seasonings to scalloped potatoes with ham, such as dried oregano, dried basil, or dried thyme. The possibilities are endless, so experiment with different seasonings to find the combination that you like best.

When adding seasonings to scalloped potatoes with ham, it is important to start with a small amount and then add more to taste. This will help to prevent the dish from becoming too salty or spicy.

Cooking method

The cooking method used for scalloped potatoes with ham can have a significant impact on the final dish. Baking is the more traditional method, and it produces a dish that is evenly cooked and has a crispy top. Cooking on the stovetop is faster, but it can be more difficult to achieve an even cook. Additionally, cooking on the stovetop can result in a dish that is not as crispy as a baked dish.

The choice of cooking method ultimately depends on the desired outcome. If you are looking for a classic scalloped potatoes with ham dish with a crispy top, then baking is the better option. If you are looking for a faster cooking method, then cooking on the stovetop is a good choice.

Here is a summary of the key insights regarding the cooking method for scalloped potatoes with ham:

• Baking is the more traditional cooking method and produces a dish that is evenly cooked and has a crispy top.
• Cooking on the stovetop is faster, but it can be more difficult to achieve an even cook and may result in a dish that is not as crispy.
• The choice of cooking method ultimately depends on the desired outcome.

By understanding the connection between the cooking method and the final dish, you can choose the best cooking method for your needs.

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is both hearty and delicious. It is made with thinly sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are cooked until they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a winter meal or a special occasion.

One of the great things about scalloped potatoes with ham is that it is relatively easy to make. It can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving. This makes it a great option for busy families or those who are entertaining guests. Additionally, scalloped potatoes with ham is a budget-friendly dish that can feed a large crowd.

The origins of scalloped potatoes are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in Europe in the 18th century. The dish was originally made with fish, but over time, potatoes became the main ingredient. Scalloped potatoes with ham became popular in the United States in the 19th century and has remained a favorite dish ever since.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a relatively easy dish to make, which makes it a popular choice for busy families.

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

Answer: The best type of potato to use for scalloped potatoes with ham is a starchy potato, such as a Russet potato. Starchy potatoes will hold their shape well and will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

Question 2: What is the best type of ham to use for scalloped potatoes with ham?

Answer: The best type of ham to use for scalloped potatoes with ham is a cooked ham, such as a diced ham. Cooked ham is already cooked, so it can be added to the dish without any additional preparation.

Question 3: What is the best type of cheese to use for scalloped potatoes with ham?

Answer: The best type of cheese to use for scalloped potatoes with ham is a cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in scalloped potatoes with ham.

Question 4: What is the best way to cook scalloped potatoes with ham?

Answer: The best way to cook scalloped potatoes with ham is to bake it in the oven. Baking will help to create a crispy top and a creamy interior.

Question 5: How long does it take to cook scalloped potatoes with ham?

Answer: Scalloped potatoes with ham typically takes about 45 minutes to cook in the oven.

Question 6: What are some tips for making the best scalloped potatoes with ham?

Answer: Here are a few tips for making the best scalloped potatoes with ham:

• Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes.
• Use a good quality ham.
• Use a flavorful cheese.
• Bake the scalloped potatoes with ham in a preheated oven.
• Let the scalloped potatoes with ham cool for a few minutes before serving.

Summary: Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips in this FAQ, you can make the best scalloped potatoes with ham possible.

Transition to the next article section: Now that you know everything there is to know about scalloped potatoes with ham, it’s time to learn how to make it yourself. In the next section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make scalloped potatoes with ham.

Conclusion

Scalloped potatoes with ham is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a relatively easy dish to make, which makes it a popular choice for busy families. In this article, we have explored the history, ingredients, and cooking methods of scalloped potatoes with ham. We have also provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish. We hope that you have found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

As we continue to explore the world of culinary delights, we encourage you to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques. Scalloped potatoes with ham is just one of many delicious dishes that you can make at home. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love.

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