Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its finest. These classic scalloped potatoes with ham are the ultimate one-dish meal – tender potato slices layered with savory ham and baked in a rich, creamy sauce until golden and bubbly.
We’re talking thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham swimming in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, baked until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. Pure comfort in a casserole dish.
This post may contain affiliate links.
What makes this dish so special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The potatoes get wonderfully tender while absorbing all that creamy, savory goodness from the sauce. And that golden brown top? That’s where the magic happens – slightly crispy edges giving way to creamy, dreamy layers underneath.
This is also the perfect recipe for using up leftover ham. Got extra ham from the holidays or Sunday dinner? This is where it shines. No need to buy fresh ham when those tasty leftovers can become the star of this comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- One-Dish Wonder – Complete meal in a single pan
- Leftover Hero – Perfect use for extra ham
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep ahead for easy entertaining
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves this classic
- Comfort Food Perfection – Creamy, savory, satisfying
- Feeds a Crowd – Serves 8 generously
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples create magic
Shop This Recipe
To make these incredible Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, you’ll need:
Essential Equipment:
- 2-Quart Baking Dish – The perfect size for this recipe. This is roughly an 8×8 pan.
- Large Saucepan – For making the cream sauce
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline – For slicing potatoes evenly
- Aluminum Foil – For the initial baking
Key Ingredients:
- Medium Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet work great
- Precooked Ham – Leftover ham is perfect here
- Whole Milk – Creates the creamy sauce
- Butter – For rich flavor
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce
- Yellow Onion – Adds savory depth
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Prepare your potatoes. Wash and peel if desired. Slice into ⅛-inch or close-to-size slices. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium/low heat.
- Add in the onion and cook for about 2 minutes or until the onions are translucent and soft.
- Meanwhile, mix the sliced potatoes with the diced ham and place in your prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over the onions. Stir to coat. It will be clumpy, that’s normal.
- Add in the milk and continue to heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for an additional minute to thicken the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly to the edges.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and cook in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to cook for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
Potato Options:
- Yukon Gold (recommended): Creamy texture, holds up well
- Russet: More traditional, slightly fluffier
- Red potatoes: Hold shape beautifully
Supper & Sage Tip: Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline or sharp knife for even cooking. Aim for ⅛-inch thickness.
Flavor Variations:
- Cheesy: Add 1-2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese between layers
- Garlicky: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the onions
- Herbaceous: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley
- Extra Savory: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach
Ham Options:
- Leftover holiday ham (perfect use!)
- Deli ham, diced
- Ham steak, cubed
- Canadian bacon
Success Tips:
- Don’t skip the foil-covered baking time. It ensures tender potatoes
- Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving for easier slicing
- The sauce will look thin when you pour it. It will thicken as it bakes
Perfect for:
- Sunday dinner
- Potluck gatherings
- Traditional holiday dinners
- Using leftover holiday ham
- Meal prep for the week
- Feeding a crowd
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
- Can also cover the baking dish tightly with foil
Freezer:
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Reheating:
- Oven (best method): Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
- Microwave: Individual portions for 2-3 minutes until hot
- Air fryer: 350°F for 8-10 minutes (uncovered for crispy top)
Supper & Sage Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to refresh the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Q: Do I have to peel the potatoes?
A: It’s your choice. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients. Just scrub them well.
Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Whole milk works best for a creamy sauce, but 2% will work. Avoid skim milk – the sauce won’t be as rich.
Q: Why is my sauce too thin?
A: Make sure you brought it to a boil and cooked for a full minute after adding the milk. It will also thicken significantly during baking.
Q: Can I add cheese to this?
A: Yes! Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese between the potato layers or mixed into the sauce.
Q: My potatoes are still firm. What happened?
A: They may need more time. Cover with foil and continue baking in 15-minute increments until tender.
Why This Recipe Works
- Two-Stage Baking: Covered baking ensures tender potatoes; uncovered creates that golden top
- Proper Roux: The butter-flour-milk combination creates a silky sauce that clings to every potato slice
- Even Slicing: Uniform potato thickness ensures everything cooks at the same rate
- Moderate Heat: 350°F is gentle enough to prevent curdling while still achieving that golden finish
- Resting Time: Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier
More Comfort Food Favorites
Love these Scalloped Potatoes? Try these other comfort classics:
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – One-pot wonder
- One Skillet Cajun Beans & Rice – Quick, easy, and warming.
- Homemade Mac and Cheese – Ultimate comfort food
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast – Tender and delicious
These Scalloped Potatoes and Ham prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward technique, you get a dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious – especially when you’re giving leftover ham a delicious second life.
