The Ultimate Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: A Classic Dish Made Easy

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This dish is made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is then cooked in a crock pot until the potatoes are tender and the cheese sauce is bubbly and melted.

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 pound ham, diced
1 cup chopped onion
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place a layer of potatoes in the bottom of a greased crock pot.
Top with a layer of ham and onion.
Repeat layers until all ingredients have been used.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes and ham.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Benefits:

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.
It is also a relatively inexpensive dish to make, which is a bonus for budget-conscious families.
This dish is also a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal.

Tips:

For a cheesier dish, use a combination of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead.
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare it as directed and then refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours and then cook it on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve this dish with a side of your favorite salad or bread.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish is a great option.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a hearty and filling dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Essential Aspects of Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences. Here are 8 key aspects to consider when making this dish:

Potatoes: Use a starchy potato, such as a russet potato, for best results.
Ham: Use diced ham for even cooking.
Cheese: Use a combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese for a flavorful and gooey sauce.
Soup: Use cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup for a rich and creamy sauce.
Milk: Milk helps to thin out the sauce and make it more creamy.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for this dish.
Cooking time: Cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving: Serve the dish with a side of your favorite salad or bread.

These key aspects can be combined in different ways to create a dish that is uniquely yours. For example, you could use different types of potatoes, ham, cheese, or soup. You could also add other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Potatoes

The type of potato you use in your crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is important. Starchy potatoes, such as russet potatoes, are the best choice because they will hold their shape and texture when cooked. This is important because scalloped potatoes are cooked in a single layer, so each potato slice needs to be able to stand up to the cooking process without falling apart.

Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold potatoes, are not a good choice for scalloped potatoes because they will break down and become mushy when cooked. This will result in a less than desirable texture for your scalloped potatoes.

Here is a real-life example of the difference between using starchy potatoes and waxy potatoes in scalloped potatoes:

I once made a batch of scalloped potatoes using russet potatoes. The potatoes held their shape and texture well, and the scalloped potatoes turned out perfectly.
Another time, I made a batch of scalloped potatoes using Yukon Gold potatoes. The potatoes broke down and became mushy, and the scalloped potatoes were not as good.

It is important to use the right type of potato in your crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe to ensure that the potatoes hold their shape and texture and that the scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly.

Conclusion:

Using a starchy potato, such as a russet potato, in your crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is essential for ensuring that the potatoes hold their shape and texture and that the scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly.

Ham

In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the ham is an important ingredient that adds flavor and protein to the dish. Diced ham is the best type of ham to use in this recipe because it cooks evenly and quickly. Other types of ham, such as sliced ham or cubed ham, can also be used, but they may not cook as evenly.

Facet 1: Even cooking
Diced ham cooks evenly because it is cut into small pieces. This allows the ham to cook quickly and evenly throughout the dish. Sliced ham or cubed ham may not cook as evenly because the pieces are larger and may not be cooked through by the time the potatoes are done.
Facet 2: Flavor and texture
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Diced ham adds flavor and texture to the dish. The small pieces of ham distribute the flavor evenly throughout the scalloped potatoes. The ham also adds a bit of texture to the dish, making it more interesting to eat.
Facet 3: Convenience
Diced ham is convenient to use because it is pre-cut. This saves time and effort when preparing the recipe. Sliced ham or cubed ham may need to be cut into smaller pieces before using, which can be time-consuming.
Facet 4: Cost
Diced ham is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a good choice for a budget-friendly recipe. Sliced ham or cubed ham may be more expensive, especially if it is purchased from a deli.

In conclusion, using diced ham in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is the best way to ensure that the ham cooks evenly, adds flavor and texture to the dish, is convenient to use, and is cost-effective.

Cheese

In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the cheese is an essential ingredient that adds flavor, texture, and richness to the dish. A combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese is the best choice for this recipe because it creates a flavorful and gooey sauce that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly.

Facet 1: Flavor
Cheddar cheese is a sharp and flavorful cheese that adds a bold flavor to the sauce. Monterey Jack cheese is a mild and creamy cheese that adds a smooth and velvety texture to the sauce. When combined, these two cheeses create a flavorful and complex sauce that complements the potatoes and ham perfectly.
Facet 2: Texture
Cheddar cheese is a firm cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese that melts easily. When combined, these two cheeses create a sauce that is both flavorful and gooey. The gooey texture of the sauce coats the potatoes and ham evenly, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.
Facet 3: Importance
The cheese sauce is an essential component of a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe. It adds flavor, texture, and richness to the dish. Without the cheese sauce, the dish would be bland and dry. The combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese is the best way to create a flavorful and gooey sauce that will take your scalloped potatoes and ham to the next level.

Conclusion:

Using a combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is essential for creating a flavorful and gooey sauce that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly. This combination of cheeses adds flavor, texture, and richness to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Soup

In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the soup is an essential ingredient that adds flavor, creaminess, and richness to the dish. A combination of cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup is the best choice for this recipe because it creates a flavorful and creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly.

Facet 1: Richness and Creaminess
Cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup are both rich and creamy soups. When combined, they create a sauce that is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The creaminess of the sauce coats the potatoes and ham evenly, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.
Facet 2: Flavor
Cream of celery soup adds a subtle celery flavor to the sauce, while cream of mushroom soup adds a rich mushroom flavor. When combined, these two soups create a flavorful sauce that complements the potatoes and ham perfectly. The celery flavor adds a bit of brightness to the dish, while the mushroom flavor adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
Facet 3: Importance
The soup is an essential component of a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe. It adds flavor, creaminess, and richness to the dish. Without the soup, the dish would be bland and dry. The combination of cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup is the best way to create a flavorful and creamy sauce that will take your scalloped potatoes and ham to the next level.

Conclusion:

Using a combination of cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is essential for creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly. This combination of soups adds flavor, creaminess, and richness to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Milk

In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the milk plays an important role in creating a flavorful and creamy sauce. Milk helps to thin out the sauce, making it the perfect consistency to coat the potatoes and ham evenly. It also adds a touch of creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and satisfying. Without milk, the sauce would be too thick and pasty, and it would not coat the potatoes and ham as well.

Facet 1: Thinning the sauce
Milk is an effective way to thin out a sauce without compromising its flavor. In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the milk helps to thin out the sauce so that it is the perfect consistency to coat the potatoes and ham evenly. This ensures that each bite is full of flavor.
Facet 2: Adding creaminess
Milk also adds a touch of creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and satisfying. The creaminess of the sauce helps to balance out the flavors of the potatoes and ham, and it makes the dish more enjoyable to eat.
Facet 3: Importance of milk
Milk is an essential ingredient in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe. It helps to thin out the sauce and make it more creamy, which results in a dish that is flavorful and satisfying. Without milk, the sauce would be too thick and pasty, and it would not coat the potatoes and ham as well.

Conclusion:

Milk is an essential ingredient in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe. It helps to thin out the sauce and make it more creamy, which results in a dish that is flavorful and satisfying.

Seasonings

In the context of a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Among the various seasonings that can be used, salt and pepper stand out as essential elements that contribute significantly to the taste and enjoyment of this classic comfort food.

Facet 1: Enhancing Flavor
Salt and pepper are known for their ability to enhance the natural flavors of ingredients. In a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, salt helps to draw out the inherent flavors of the potatoes and ham, while pepper adds a subtle spiciness that balances the richness of the dish. The combination of these two seasonings creates a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and appetizing.
Facet 2: Balancing Ingredients
In addition to enhancing flavors, salt and pepper also play a role in balancing the different ingredients in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe. The saltiness of the ham and the creaminess of the potatoes can sometimes create an imbalance in flavors. However, the addition of salt and pepper helps to bridge this gap by bringing all the ingredients together and creating a cohesive taste experience.
Facet 3: Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe with salt and pepper is not merely an optional step; it is an essential part of the cooking process. Without proper seasoning, the dish may end up tasting bland and uninspired. The right amount of salt and pepper elevates the flavors of the dish and transforms it from a simple meal into a flavorful and memorable culinary creation.

In conclusion, the use of salt and pepper as essential seasonings in a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe cannot be overstated. These seasonings work together to enhance flavors, balance ingredients, and elevate the overall taste experience. By incorporating salt and pepper into the recipe, home cooks can create a dish that is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor.

Cooking time

In the context of a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the cooking time plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor of the dish. Cooking the dish on low for 6-8 hours allows the potatoes to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful texture. Additionally, this extended cooking time ensures that the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and ham.

The importance of adhering to the specified cooking time cannot be overstated. Cooking the dish for too short a period may result in undercooked potatoes that are hard and lack flavor. Conversely, cooking the dish for too long may cause the potatoes to become mushy and the cheese to become rubbery. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended cooking time to achieve the optimal texture and flavor of the crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham.

In practice, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the specific type of crock pot used and the quantity of ingredients. It is advisable to check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick into the center. If the fork or toothpick slides in easily, the potatoes are tender and the dish is ready to serve.

Serving

In the context of a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe, the serving suggestion to accompany the dish with a side of salad or bread holds significance for several reasons.

Facet 1: Complementation of Flavors
A side salad or bread can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham. The crisp texture and acidity of a salad can balance the creaminess and saltiness of the main dish, while the soft texture of bread can soak up the flavorful sauce. This combination of flavors and textures enhances the overall dining experience.
Facet 2: Nutritional Balance
Including a salad or bread with the crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham helps to create a more balanced meal. Salads typically provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while bread offers carbohydrates and fiber. By incorporating these side dishes, you can ensure that your meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious.
Facet 3: Variety and Presentation
Serving the crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham with a side salad or bread adds variety to the plate and makes the presentation more visually appealing. The different colors and textures of the side dishes create a more vibrant and appetizing meal.

In conclusion, the suggestion to serve a crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe with a side of salad or bread is not merely an afterthought but an important consideration that contributes to the overall enjoyment of the meal. By complementing the flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and adding variety to the presentation, these side dishes elevate the crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham to a complete and satisfying culinary experience.

A crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is a dish that combines thinly sliced potatoes, diced ham, and a creamy cheese sauce, cooked slowly in a crock pot. The result is a hearty and flavorful casserole that is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

The origins of scalloped potatoes can be traced back to the 18th century, when they were known as “scalloped oysters.” This dish was made with oysters, breadcrumbs, and butter, and was baked in a scallop shell. Over time, the recipe evolved to include potatoes, and the dish became known as “scalloped potatoes.” Today, there are many different variations of scalloped potatoes, but the basic ingredients remain the same: potatoes, a creamy sauce, and often cheese.

Crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham is a modern twist on this classic dish. By cooking the potatoes and ham in a crock pot, the flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful casserole. This dish is also relatively easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy families.

FAQs about Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is then cooked in a crock pot until the potatoes are tender and the cheese sauce is bubbly and melted. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this dish:

Question 1: Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?

Answer: Yes, you can use any type of potato that you like. However, starchy potatoes, such as russet potatoes, will hold their shape better than waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold potatoes.

Question 2: Can I use a different type of ham in this recipe?

Answer: Yes, you can use any type of ham that you like. However, diced ham is the best type of ham to use because it cooks evenly and quickly.

Question 3: Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Answer: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you like. However, a combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese is the best choice because it creates a flavorful and gooey sauce.

Question 4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare it as directed and then refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours and then cook it on low for 6-8 hours.

Question 5: What should I serve with this dish?

Answer: This dish can be served with a side of your favorite salad or bread.

Question 6: How long will this dish keep in the refrigerator?

Answer: This dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these FAQs, you can make a delicious and satisfying crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham.

Transition to the next article section:

Now that you know all about crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham, you can try making it yourself. It is a simple and easy recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Conclusion

This dish is relatively easy to make, and can be tailored to your preferences. You can use different types of potatoes, ham, and cheese. You can also add other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you’re looking for a comforting and easy meal, give this recipe a try.