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:
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:
Can I use any type of potatoes for this recipe, or is there a specific variety recommended?
You can use any type of potatoes for this recipe. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work well.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes, or can I leave the skins on for added texture?
While the original recipe calls for peeled potatoes, feel free to leave the skins on if you like the extra texture and nutrients they provide.
Can I substitute the ham with another meat or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute ham with cooked bacon, turkey, or even omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
What can I use as a replacement for Cheddar cheese if I don’t have it on hand?
Any melty cheese like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Swiss can be used as a substitute for Cheddar cheese in this recipe.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when ready, adjusting the cooking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use gluten-free flour in the sauce for those with dietary restrictions?
Certainly, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute in the sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger serving size?
To adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients proportionally. Be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
What’s the purpose of the pinch of paprika in this recipe?
Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the dish. Feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
Can I add other vegetables to the layers for extra flavor and variety?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the layers.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Adjust quantities as 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.
