Why You’ll Love these Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes
When comfort food calls your name, nothing answers quite like these Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes.
I’m talking about layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingling with savory ham cubes, all embraced by a velvety white sauce that bubbles to perfection in the oven.
What makes this dish irresistible? The contrast between the tender potatoes and the slightly salty ham creates a perfect balance.
And that sauce—oh, that sauce. Silky smooth, with just the right seasonings. Ready in under an hour, it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinner.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Nothing fancy required here, just good, honest ingredients that transform into the ultimate comfort food. The star players are definitely the potatoes and ham, creating that perfect balance of starchy goodness and savory protein, while the homemade white sauce brings everything together in creamy harmony.
- 4 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup ham, cut into cubes
- 1/2 onion, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
When selecting your ingredients, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds—they’ll give you that perfect texture after baking. And don’t worry if you have leftover holiday ham, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up. The cornstarch might seem like an unusual choice compared to flour for thickening, but it creates an exceptionally smooth sauce without any floury taste. Feel free to swap the margarine for butter if that’s what you have on hand, or even add a bit of shredded cheese to the sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. The beauty of this dish? It’s infinitely adaptable to what you have in your pantry.
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How to Make these Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes
Making these creamy scalloped potatoes couldn’t be simpler, and the result is pure comfort food magic. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then grab a suitable baking dish—something with enough depth to hold all those delicious layers.
Layer your 4 peeled and thinly sliced potatoes, 1 cup of cubed ham, and 1/2 thinly sliced onion in the dish. No particular order is necessary here, though I find that starting and ending with a potato layer creates the nicest presentation. Think of it as building a delicious little architecture project, where each layer contributes something special to the final dish.
Now for the crowning glory—that luscious white sauce that transforms this dish from good to absolutely irresistible. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until completely smooth. This is your moment to be thorough; nobody wants lumpy sauce, right?
Add 2 tablespoons of margarine, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to the mixture. Now comes the part that requires a bit of patience—bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. The constant stirring isn’t just busy work; it’s crucial for preventing lumps and scorching.
Once it reaches a boil, continue cooking for just 1 minute to activate the cornstarch’s thickening power. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. Pour this velvety goodness over your layered potatoes and ham, making sure it seeps down between all the layers.
Using professional cookware sets can make a noticeable difference in how evenly your scalloped potatoes cook and brown.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork. The top should be bubbling and golden, with that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen that says dinner is ready.
Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
Although this recipe is absolutely delicious as written, you’ll be happy to know there’s plenty of room for customization based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
For the ham, bacon or smoked turkey make wonderful alternatives. Dairy-free? Swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk and use olive oil instead of margarine.
Need it gluten-free? You’re already covered!
I’m a huge fan of adding cheese—a cup of sharp cheddar folded into the white sauce transforms this dish.
And herbs? Fresh thyme or rosemary scattered between layers adds incredible depth. Who doesn’t love options?
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What to Serve with Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes
Since this hearty, comforting dish already delivers rich flavors and substantial protein and carbs, I’m always looking for sides that balance the meal rather than compete with it.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly—think arugula or mixed greens with a lemon dressing.
Steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide color and nutrition.
For special occasions, can you imagine warm dinner rolls with butter? Divine.
Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts work well too, offering complementary sweetness.
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Final Thoughts
The beauty of this Creamy Ham & Scalloped Potatoes recipe lies in its timeless appeal and versatility.
I’m convinced there’s something magical about the way those creamy layers of potatoes meld with savory ham and delicate onions.
What makes it truly special? Perhaps it’s how the homemade white sauce transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
You can easily adapt this dish to what you have on hand—swap in different cheeses, add vegetables, or even use leftover holiday ham.
Trust me, it’s a recipe worth keeping close. Comfort food at its finest, don’t you think? Simple, satisfying, and always welcome at the table.
