Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Scallop Potatoes and Ham recipe! Imagine layers of creamy, tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection – a dish so irresistible that it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines classic American flavors with pure, homemade deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 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 potatoes, then slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Aim for uniform slices approximately 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the ham into small, bite-sized cubes, roughly 1/2 inch in size. This will help distribute the ham evenly throughout the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a thin layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping them to create an even base.
- Sprinkle a portion of the diced ham over the potato layer, followed by a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: potatoes, ham, and cheese, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed. Pour the soup and milk mixture over the layers, allowing it to seep between the potatoes.
- 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, or 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 before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot as a delicious main or side dish.
Tips
- Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to create even 1/8-inch potato slices. This ensures consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is classic, experiment with gruyère or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor complexity.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat your potato slices dry before layering to reduce excess moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Check for Doneness: The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the dish to rest 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving much easier.Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or use low-fat milk and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 248kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 38mg
