Many of you might already know the saying about a man’s heart and the route through his stomach. This saying has proven true for me, especially when I prepare my No-Fail Scalloped Potatoes & Ham. My husband loves them so much that he always asks me to make them, a sure sign of their appeal!
I have spent many years perfecting the recipe for No-Fail Scalloped Potatoes & Ham. My family often asks for it, and it has become my preferred dish to prepare for various occasions, from holidays to special events. Additionally, this side dish consistently becomes the highlight of any meal at which I serve it.
How to prepare the Scalloped Potatoes & Ham:
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Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced potatoes
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 pound cheddar cheese (diced)
- 1 pinch paprika
Directions:
- Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, arrange a layer each of half the potatoes, ham, and onion. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onion.
- Combine milk, flour, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture thickens. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Once the sauce thickens, add the Cheddar cheese and stir until it completely melts into the sauce.
- Drizzle this creamy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham. Then, add a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
- Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven. It should take about 1 hour for the potatoes to become tender.
- After an hour, remove the foil to allow the top to get a nice golden-brown color. This should take an additional 15 minutes of baking.
- Once browned to your liking, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Easy No-Fail Scalloped Potatoes & Ham!
Frequent Asked Questions:
1. What type of potatoes works best for making scalloped potatoes and ham?
For scalloped potatoes, starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, which helps thicken the sauce. However, you can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture that holds its shape better during baking.
2. Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese that melt well, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Each cheese brings a different flavor profile and creaminess to the dish, so feel free to experiment with what suits your taste.
3. How can I prevent the milk from curdling while cooking the sauce?
To prevent the milk from curdling, ensure you cook the sauce over medium heat and stir it constantly. Also, using whole milk can help minimize curdling as it has more fat content than skim or low-fat milk. Adding the milk gradually to the flour and butter mixture while continuously stirring can also help.
4. Is it necessary to cover the dish with aluminum foil while baking?
Yes, covering the dish with aluminum foil during the initial phase of baking helps to trap steam, which ensures that the potatoes cook through evenly without drying out. Removing the foil towards the end of baking allows the top to become golden-brown and crispy.
5. What are some tips for ensuring that the potatoes are fully cooked?
To ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked, slice them uniformly, about 1/8 inch thick. This not only helps them cook evenly but also absorb the sauce better, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish. Additionally, make sure the dish is baked in the middle of the oven where the temperature is most consistent. Checking the potatoes with a fork for tenderness after the covered baking period is a good way to gauge if additional baking time is needed.
Easy No-Fail Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and sliced potatoes
- 2 cups ham diced
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 ground black pepper
- 1/8 garlic powder
- 1/8 onion powder
- 1 dried parsley
- 1/4 pound cheddar cheese diced
- 1 pinch paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Layer half the potatoes, half the ham, and half the onion in an 2-quart baking dish; repeat the layers.
- Heat milk, flour, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Stir Cheddar cheese into sauce until cheese is melted.
- Pour sauce over potato and ham mixture; sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove foil and continue baking until lightly browned, about 15 minutes more.
If you’re looking for something a bit different when it comes to scalloped potatoes, this recipe is a great option. While the recipe calls for ham, you can use bacon instead if you prefer. Either way, you’ll be left with a dish that’s delicious and perfect to serve on Halloween, or any spooky occasion.
