Prepare to be transported to a cozy farmhouse kitchen with this mouthwatering Country Scalloped Potatoes with Ham recipe that promises to become your new family favorite! Imagine layers of creamy, tender potatoes nestled with savory diced ham, all baked to golden perfection in a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table. This classic American dish isn't just a side – it's a hearty, soul-warming meal that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a thin layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping the edges to create a consistent base.
- Sprinkle diced ham and chopped onions over the first potato layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Continue layering potatoes, ham, and onions, creating multiple layers and seasoning each layer lightly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together milk and shredded cheese until well combined. Pour the milk and cheese mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring it seeps between the layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and help potatoes cook evenly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Serve hot as a hearty main dish or side, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Slice potatoes uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even 1/8-inch thick potato rounds. This ensures consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
- Don't skip the resting time: Allowing the dish to rest 10-15 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving much easier.
- Choose the right cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for extra flavor depth.
- Prevent dryness: Keep the dish covered for most of the baking time to retain moisture, only uncovering at the end to achieve a golden brown top.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the milk mixture for an even more luxurious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
