The short answer: Scalloped potatoes and ham is a creamy, cheesy casserole of thinly sliced potatoes, diced ham and onion baked in a simple homemade white sauce. Layer the potatoes and ham in a buttered dish, pour the sauce over the top, cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, then uncover for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and tender. It serves 6 and is one of the best ways to use leftover holiday ham.
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Prep time: 25 minCook time: 1 hr 35 minTotal time: 2 hr 10 minServings: 6 servingsTotal includes 10 min of resting, chilling or rising.
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I love the family time around Christmas, and a pan of scalloped potatoes and ham is perfect for everyone pitching in after the big dinner.
Scalloped potatoes and ham at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Serves | 6 |
| Prep time | 25 minutes |
| Bake time | 1 hour 20 minutes to 1½ hours |
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
| Best potatoes | Yukon Gold or russet |
| Make ahead | Yes, assemble up to 1 day ahead |
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick
- 2 to 3 cups diced fully cooked ham
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt (less if your ham is very salty)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
How to make scalloped potatoes and ham
- Heat the oven. Set it to 350°F and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cook 4 to 5 minutes, until it thickens. Stir in the seasonings and 1 cup of the cheese.
- Layer. Arrange a third of the potatoes in the dish. Top with half the ham and half the onion. Repeat, then finish with the last of the potatoes.
- Add the sauce. Pour the sauce evenly over the top and press the potatoes down so they're mostly covered.
- Bake covered. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour.
- Bake uncovered. Remove the foil, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and bake 20 to 30 minutes more, until bubbly and a knife slides easily through the potatoes.
- Rest. Let it stand 10 to 15 minutes so the sauce sets before serving.
Tips for creamy, not curdled, scalloped potatoes
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Slice potatoes evenly, about ⅛ inch | They cook at the same rate |
| Warm the milk first | The sauce thickens smoothly |
| Use whole milk, not skim | Lower-fat milk is more likely to curdle |
| Shred cheese from a block | It melts smoother than pre-shredded |
| Rest before serving | The sauce thickens as it cools slightly |
Scalloped vs. au gratin potatoes
Classic scalloped potatoes bake in a creamy sauce and may have little or no cheese. Au gratin potatoes always have cheese and often a crumb topping. This version sits in between, with cheese in the sauce and on top. For a meatless side, try our easy scalloped potatoes.
Which ham to use
Most hams sold in stores are already fully cooked, so diced ham only needs to be reheated. FoodSafety.gov's temperature chart lists 140°F for a cooked ham reheated straight from its USDA-inspected package and 165°F for leftover or repackaged ham, so heat diced leftover ham to 165°F. Spiral-cut, baked or deli ham steaks all work. Need a refresher on the main event? See how to cook a ham.
Make ahead, storing and freezing
- Make ahead: assemble, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add 15 to 20 minutes to the covered bake time.
- Leftovers: refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. The USDA's leftovers guide says to reheat leftovers to 165°F.
- Freezing: it freezes for about 2 to 3 months, though the potatoes may turn a little softer after thawing.
Plan your holiday leftovers
One ham can cover the holiday dinner, this casserole and a pot of soup later in the week.
- Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99): plan your leftover meals and shopping in one place.
- Family Recipe Binder ($6.99): keep holiday recipes together for next year.
- Holiday Season Bundle ($15.99, regularly $25.94 for the six items bought separately): 6 planners for holiday budgets, gifts, meals and cleaning.
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More ham and holiday recipes
Short on leftover ham? Sear a couple of ham steaks and dice them for this casserole. Want a shredded-hash-brown version for potlucks? Make funeral potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make scalloped potatoes and ham? To make scalloped potatoes and ham, layer thinly sliced potatoes, diced ham and onion in a baking dish and cover them with a creamy cheese sauce. Bake covered at 350°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake 20 to 30 minutes more.
How long do you bake scalloped potatoes and ham? Bake scalloped potatoes and ham at 350°F for about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1½ hours total. Keep it covered for the first hour, then uncover it so the top turns golden.
What kind of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes and ham? Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes and ham. Yukon Golds hold their shape and taste buttery, while russets break down a little and make a thicker sauce.
Can I use leftover ham for scalloped potatoes? Yes, leftover ham is perfect for scalloped potatoes. Since most store-bought ham is fully cooked, it only needs to heat through in the oven. Dice it into ½-inch pieces.
Why are my scalloped potatoes still hard? Scalloped potatoes stay hard when the slices are too thick or the dish isn't covered long enough. Slice the potatoes ⅛ inch thick and keep the foil on for the first hour so they steam.
Why did my scalloped potato sauce curdle? The sauce in scalloped potatoes can curdle when it gets too hot or uses low-fat milk. Use whole milk, thicken it with flour and butter first, and bake at a moderate 350°F.
Can you make scalloped potatoes and ham ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble scalloped potatoes and ham up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it, then add 15 to 20 minutes to the covered baking time.
Can you freeze scalloped potatoes and ham? Yes, scalloped potatoes and ham can be frozen for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat to 165°F. The potatoes may be a little softer after freezing.
Do you need cheese in scalloped potatoes and ham? No, cheese is optional in scalloped potatoes and ham. Classic scalloped potatoes use only a cream sauce. Cheddar, Gruyère or Swiss adds richness and a golden top.
What is the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes? Scalloped potatoes bake in a creamy sauce with little or no cheese. Au gratin potatoes always include cheese and often a crumb topping. Many family recipes blend the two.
What do you serve with scalloped potatoes and ham? Green beans, roasted broccoli, a crisp green salad or glazed carrots go well with scalloped potatoes and ham. Dinner rolls or biscuits round out the meal.
How can I plan meals with leftover holiday ham? Plan 2 or 3 meals from one ham, like this casserole, ham and bean soup and breakfast eggs. The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. lets you map out the leftover meals and shop for only what you need.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov