Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Ham

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Get ready to dive into a dish that's creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of smoky. These scalloped potatoes with smoked ham are perfect for any special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Let’s dig into this deliciously layered masterpiece!

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Ham

Russet potatoes are ideal here because they hold their shape and have a fluffy texture once cooked. You'll want them thinly sliced to ensure even cooking. Smoked ham brings a savory, smoky note that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Use a quality ham for the best flavor. Onion and garlic provide a flavor base that deepens as it cooks. Unsalted butter is used for the roux, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish. The flour thickens the sauce, giving it a luscious consistency. Whole milk and heavy cream create a creamy sauce that envelops the potatoes perfectly. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a touch of nutmeg rounds out the flavor. Finally, a mix of sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus also complements the richness of the potatoes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or beef tenderloin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge before baking, then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, providing a buttery texture, though they may not hold their shape as well as russets.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Ham Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to go once everything is assembled. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.

Next, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This will thicken your sauce and give it a nice body. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Now, stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg, and let the flavors meld together for a minute or so. Once the sauce is ready, it's time to assemble the dish. In a greased baking dish, layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes followed by half of the diced ham. Pour half of the creamy sauce over these layers, spreading it evenly.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes and ham, then top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a deliciously golden and bubbly top. Once done, let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly creamy texture without being overly rich.
  • The smoky ham adds depth and a delightful contrast.
  • Simple ingredients come together for a complex flavor.
  • It's a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 lb smoked ham, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens.
5. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg to the sauce and stir well.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the ham and half of the sauce.
7. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce.
8. Sprinkle the cheddar and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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