If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes. This classic dish brings together tender slices of ham and creamy, cheesy potatoes in a satisfying, filling combination that’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this recipe is both simple to prepare and easy to customize for various dietary needs. Let’s dive into why this dish is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.

Introduction to Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

Few dishes are as universally loved as Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes. The combination of savory ham and rich, creamy potatoes makes this recipe both a comfort food staple and a showstopper at gatherings. What’s even better is how adaptable it is—you can prepare it as a traditional, indulgent dish or tweak it for healthier preferences, such as gluten-free or low-calorie variations.

Pairing this dish with other comfort foods, like Chicken and Biscuits, can create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. For a more veggie-rich side, consider something like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze to balance out the rich, creamy potatoes.

One of the best aspects of this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need to be an expert cook to create something special. With just a handful of ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under two hours. If you’re looking to prepare a meal that is both nutritious and easy to make, Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is your answer.

Not only does this recipe offer a satisfying balance of flavors, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for busy parents, students, or diet-conscious individuals, this dish has the flexibility to suit various preferences, making it an ideal choice for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Benefits and Advantages of Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

Why should you choose to make Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes? Let’s explore some of the unique benefits and advantages that make this dish a top choice for many:

Ease of Preparation: While the combination of ham and scalloped potatoes may sound fancy, it’s remarkably easy to put together. Most of the preparation involves layering ingredients and baking them to perfection, meaning you can focus on other tasks while your dish cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Ham and potatoes are affordable staples in many households, making this dish both economical and accessible. Plus, the recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, such as butter, cheese, and milk.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily modify this dish to meet a variety of dietary requirements. From gluten-free options to low-sodium ham or dairy-free cheese alternatives, this recipe can cater to everyone.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It offers enough substance to serve as the main course while still being mild and familiar in flavor, making it suitable for both children and adults. For another dish that’s sure to be a hit with any crowd, you might want to try Shepherd’s Pie, which is similarly comforting and hearty.
Health Benefits: While the traditional version of this dish is indulgent, it can also be prepared in a health-conscious manner. For instance, opting for lean ham and using low-fat milk can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing taste. Potatoes, rich in vitamins C and B6, and potassium, are also nutritious and filling.

This recipe’s advantages lie in its flexibility and ability to be tailored to suit different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. Whether you want to enjoy it as a classic comfort food or a lighter, healthier option, Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is a dish that can adapt effortlessly.

Ingredients Overview

Essential Ingredients for Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

For this delightful meal, you’ll need a blend of fresh and pantry staples that work harmoniously to create a savory and creamy delight. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Ham: 2-3 pounds of pre-cooked, sliced ham (choose low-sodium for a healthier option).
Potatoes: 4-5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced. These provide a starchy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which adds richness to the dish.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons to help thicken the creamy sauce.
Milk: 2 cups of whole milk or a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk, for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Opt for a low-fat version if you’re watching calories.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to give a mild, aromatic depth to the dish.
Onion: 1 small onion, thinly sliced, for added flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the sauce and potatoes.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some substitutions you can use to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability:

Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep the sauce thick and creamy without gluten.
Dairy-Free: Swap the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Dairy-free shredded cheese can also be used to maintain that creamy, cheesy texture.
Lower-Calorie Option: Use skim milk or a reduced-fat cheese. You can also reduce the butter content or substitute it with olive oil for a heart-healthy alternative.
Vegetarian: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, omit the ham and add a protein-rich alternative like smoked tofu or tempeh. The smoky flavor of these alternatives pairs well with the creamy potatoes.

How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to prepare the perfect Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes in just a few simple steps:

First Step: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Second Step: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds. It’s important to slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Place them in a large bowl filled with cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.

Third Step: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Slowly add in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Dish

Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean towel. Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add a layer of ham slices on top of the potatoes, followed by a few onion slices. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a final layer of potatoes.

Fifth Step: Add the Sauce

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top of the layered potatoes and ham, ensuring that it covers all the layers.

Sixth Step: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Seventh Step: Let It Rest

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will give the sauce time to set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.

Mastering Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes to the next level, here are a few advanced tips and delicious variations:

Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking adds a fragrant, herbal note.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle heat and smoky flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or thinly sliced zucchini for a healthier twist with added veggies.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish.

How to Store Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes: Best Practices

This dish stores well, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.
Freezing: You can freeze Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the potatoes from drying out and cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

Nutritional Value of Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving of Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes:

Calories: 400-450 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 800-900mg

This nutritional breakdown assumes the use of whole milk and full-fat cheese, so if you opt for lighter alternatives, the calorie and fat content will be lower.

Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes: A Comforting Classic for Every Occasion

Author: Lauren Bennett
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender ham slices and creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. This classic meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich flavors of ham and potatoes combine beautifully, and the recipe can be easily customized for dietary needs such as gluten-free, low-fat, or dairy-free options.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 pounds pre-cooked sliced ham (low-sodium preferred)
4–5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (low-fat cheese can be used)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds. Soak them in cold water while you prepare the sauce to prevent browning.
Make the cream sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Assemble the dish: Drain and dry the potato slices. Layer half of the potatoes in the greased dish, then add half of the ham slices and onion. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and ham. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layers.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8th of the dish
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Baked Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Comfort Food, Holiday Dinner, Cheesy Potatoes, Gluten-Free Ham, Dairy-Free Ham, Family Dinner

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ham with Scalloped Potatoes

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to bake it.

Q: What are the best potatoes to use? A: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape during baking and absorb the sauce well.

Q: Can I make this dish without ham? A: Yes! You can omit the ham for a vegetarian version or substitute it with a plant-based alternative like smoked tofu or tempeh.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker? A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux or reduce the amount of milk slightly.

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