Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole Recipe

By:

Wade Lockhart

Published:

March 20, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

If you’re like me and always end up with half a ham after the holidays, this recipe is your new best friend because nothing says “leftovers” like a creamy, cheesy potato dish that feels way fancier than it really is. This Scalloped Potatoes And Ham casserole has been a family favorite for generations, and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of tender sliced potatoes, savory ham, and a rich cheese sauce creates pure comfort food magic that works for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.

Reasons This Recipe Works

Ease of preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe comes together quickly. The layering technique is straightforward, and the oven does most of the work for you. No fancy equipment is needed just a mandoline or sharp knife for slicing potatoes, and you’re good to go.
Filling and satisfying: This hearty casserole serves 12 people, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The combination of protein-rich ham and potassium-packed potatoes provides lasting energy. According to health experts, potatoes offer numerous nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, and fiber when consumed with the skin.
Versatility: Serve it as a main dish with a simple green salad, or pair it with grilled proteins like chicken or pork for a complete meal. It works as a holiday side dish or a standalone dinner on busy weeknights. Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have available.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble this dish up to a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or using up leftover ham after celebrations.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
2. Essential Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Protein and Main Component Alternatives
5. Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
6. Mastering Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Best Practices
8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
9. Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Essential Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating a creamy, flavorful casserole. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic dish:

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, plus more for the pan – Butter adds richness and helps sauté the onions until they’re sweet and translucent.
1 yellow onion, chopped – Provides aromatic flavor that complements the ham and cream sauce beautifully.
3 cups diced ham – The star protein that adds savory depth. Leftover holiday ham works perfectly here.
1 1/2 cups half-and-half – Creates a lighter cream base while still delivering richness to the sauce.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream – Adds luxurious texture and helps the sauce coat every potato slice.
1/4 cup flour – Thickens the cream mixture into a smooth sauce that holds the casserole together.
Black pepper to taste – Brings subtle heat and balances the richness of the dairy.
3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, washed thoroughly – The foundation of the dish. Yukon Golds stay creamier, while russets absorb more sauce.
1 cup grated cheddar cheese – Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and gorgeous golden color to each bite.
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese – Melts beautifully and adds mild creaminess that complements the cheddar.
Chopped parsley (optional) – A fresh finishing touch that adds color and a hint of brightness.

Special Dietary Options

Dietary Need	Substitution
Gluten-free	Replace the 1/4 cup flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Lower calorie	Use all half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese to 1 1/2 cups total.
Dairy-free	Substitute with plant-based butter, oat cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How to Prepare the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this casserole is easier than you might think. The secret lies in even layering and properly sliced potatoes. Follow these steps for foolproof results every single time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the potatoes to cook through completely without burning the top. While the oven heats, generously butter a large casserole dish. I use a 9×13-inch dish for this recipe, which holds all those layers perfectly. The extra butter on the dish prevents sticking and adds flavor to the potatoes that touch the edges those crispy corners are often the best part!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Ham

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant. You want them soft but not browned they should smell sweet and mild. Next, add the 3 cups of diced ham to the skillet. Cook the ham for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s heated through and has released some of its savory oils into the pan. This step wakes up the ham’s flavor and ensures every bite tastes seasoned rather than plain. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. Warm 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half and 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream in the microwave for about a minute just until warm, not boiling. Warm cream blends more smoothly with the flour. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of flour and black pepper to taste, whisking constantly until no lumps remain. The flour needs to be fully incorporated so your sauce is silky smooth. Add salt sparingly at this point ham is naturally salty, and the cheese will add more seasoning as it melts.

Step 4: Combine the Cheeses

In a medium bowl, mix together the 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese. Blending these two cheeses gives you the best of both worlds: the sharp bite of cheddar and the meltability of Monterey Jack. If you have time, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better because it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.

Step 5: Slice Your Potatoes

Slice your 3 pounds of potatoes very thinly about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline makes this job quick and ensures uniform thickness, which means even cooking. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp chef’s knife works too; just take your time to keep the slices consistent. Uniform slices are crucial because thin pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some potatoes from being mushy while others stay crunchy.

Pro tip: You can parboil the sliced potatoes for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain and cool them slightly before assembling. This optional step reduces the total baking time and ensures extra-tender results.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part building your layers! Divide your ingredients mentally into thirds for three complete layers. Start by arranging one-third of the potato slices in the bottom of your buttered casserole dish. Top with one-third of the ham and onion mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle one-third of the cheese blend over the ham, then pour one-third of the cream mixture evenly across the top.

Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with cheese and the remaining cream mixture on the very top. The top layer of cheese will create that gorgeous golden crust everyone fights over. Make sure the cream mixture seeps down into all the nooks and crannies gently press the potatoes down if needed to submerge them slightly.

Step 7: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F. The foil traps steam, which helps the potatoes cook through. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil the steam will be hot! Bake for another 20 minutes uncovered, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should slide through the potatoes with no resistance.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly so your servings hold together nicely. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

One of the best things about this Scalloped Potatoes And Ham recipe is how easily you can adapt it. The ham brings protein and savory flavor, but plenty of delicious alternatives exist if you want to switch things up or accommodate different tastes.

Substituting the Ham

If you don’t have ham on hand or want a different flavor profile, try these options:

Bacon: Replace the ham with cooked, chopped bacon for a smokier flavor. Use about 1 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. The rendered bacon fat adds incredible depth to the dish.
Turkey: Leftover turkey works wonderfully, especially after Thanksgiving. Dice cooked turkey and use it just like the ham. The mild flavor pairs nicely with the cheese sauce.
Chicken: Cooked, diced chicken breast makes this a complete meal. Season the chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before adding it to complement the creamy potatoes. Check out this grilled chicken recipe for inspiration.
Vegetarian option: Simply omit the meat entirely or replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. The cheese sauce carries enough flavor to make a meatless version satisfying.

Going Meat-Free

This casserole doesn’t need ham to be delicious. Traditional scalloped potatoes are actually meatless the potatoes and cream sauce stand on their own. If you skip the ham, consider adding extra onion or some sautéed garlic to build more flavor. You could also layer in vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

The beauty of a casserole like this lies in its flexibility. Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it endlessly based on seasonal produce, dietary preferences, or whatever needs using up in your refrigerator.

Vegetable Additions

Consider adding vegetables between the potato layers:

Frozen peas: Add 1 cup of frozen peas with the ham for sweetness and color contrast.
Broccoli florets: Tuck small broccoli pieces into the layers for extra nutrition and texture.
Caramelized onions: Take the onion to the next level by cooking it slowly until deeply golden and sweet.
Sliced mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms before layering for an earthy, umami-rich addition.

Sauce Variations

While this recipe uses a flour-thickened cream sauce, you have options:

Make it richer: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce for extra tanginess and body.
Add herbs: Stir fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage into the cream mixture before layering.
Garlic lovers: Infuse the cream with minced garlic or add garlic powder to the sauce for aromatic depth.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to wake up your taste buds.

Cheese Alternatives

The cheddar and Monterey Jack combination works beautifully, but other cheeses can change the flavor profile entirely:

Gruyère: Use this Swiss cheese for a nutty, sophisticated flavor that’s classic in potatoes au gratin.
Fontina: Melts into an incredibly creamy sauce with mild, buttery flavor.
Parmesan: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan to the mix for a salty, savory boost.
Pepper Jack: Swap the Monterey Jack for pepper Jack cheese if you like a little heat.

Mastering Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Advanced Tips and Variations

Ready to take your casserole game to the next level? These pro tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results and troubleshoot common issues that might pop up during the cooking process.

Pro Cooking Techniques

Use a mandoline for perfect slices. Hand-slicing works fine, but a mandoline creates uniformly thin slices that cook evenly. Thinner slices also mean shorter baking time and creamier texture throughout the dish. Just be careful with your fingers that blade is sharp!

Parboil for faster cooking. If you’re short on time or worried about the potatoes cooking through, give them a quick 3 to 5 minute boil in salted water before layering. Drain them well and let them cool slightly before assembling. This step can shave 15 to 20 minutes off your baking time.

Let it rest before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in when that golden, bubbly casserole comes out of the oven. But letting it rest for 10 minutes allows the sauce to set up properly, making it much easier to cut neat squares that hold their shape on the plate.

Flavor Variations

Variation	What to Add
French onion style	Caramelize the onions slowly (20-30 minutes) and add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce.
Herbed version	Add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary to the cream mixture.
Smoky twist	Stir 1 teaspoon smoked paprika into the cream sauce and use smoked Gouda as part of the cheese blend.
Mustard lover’s	Whisk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the cream sauce for tangy depth that pairs beautifully with ham.

Presentation Tips

First impressions matter, especially when serving guests. After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then run a knife around the edges to create clean lines. For a stunning presentation at holidays, try assembling individual servings in ramekins instead of one large dish everyone gets their own perfectly portioned casserole with a gorgeous cheesy top.

Make-Ahead Options

Planning for a busy day? This recipe has you covered. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate unbaked. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s still cold from the refrigerator. This make-ahead approach makes the dish perfect for holidays when oven space is at a premium prep it the day before and just pop it in when you’re ready.

For more make-ahead casserole inspiration, check out this baked ziti recipe that also reheats beautifully.

How to Store Scalloped Potatoes And Ham: Best Practices

Leftovers are inevitable with a casserole this size, but that’s actually great news because the flavors continue to develop overnight. Here’s how to store your Scalloped Potatoes And Ham properly so you can enjoy it for days.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating this prevents condensation from making the top soggy. Transfer leftovers to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge as everything melds together.

Freezing Instructions

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! For best results, cool the baked casserole completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that frozen and reheated potatoes may have a slightly different texture than fresh, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating Methods

Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp up the top again.
Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on high in 1 to 2 minute bursts, stirring gently halfway through to heat evenly.
Air fryer: Reheat individual squares at 350°F for about 5 minutes for crispy edges and heated center.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Do scalloped potatoes and ham have cheese?

Traditional scalloped potatoes do not include cheese—that’s a feature of potatoes au gratin. However, many modern recipes for scalloped potatoes and ham, like this one, add cheese for richer flavor and creaminess. This version uses 1 cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan, melted into the creamy sauce made from milk, flour, butter, and seasonings. The cheese binds everything together during baking, creating a golden top. If you prefer a classic version, omit the cheese and rely on the ham and creamy sauce for taste. This addition makes the dish more indulgent without overpowering the potatoes and ham. Prep tip: Shred your own cheese for better melting. (87 words)

How long does it take to bake scalloped potatoes and ham?

Scalloped potatoes and ham typically bake for 1 to 1.5 hours at 350°F to ensure the potatoes cook through tender. The total time includes 10-15 minutes prep, plus baking covered for 60 minutes, then uncovered for 20-30 minutes to brown the top. Potatoes take time because of their density—thin slicing to ⅛-inch with a mandoline speeds it up. For faster results, parboil slices 3-5 minutes first, then drain and layer. Check doneness by piercing the center with a knife; it should slide in easily. Factors like dish size and oven variations affect time, so start checking at 75 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes post-bake for clean slices. (112 words)

Can you make scalloped potatoes and ham ahead of time?

Yes, scalloped potatoes and ham assemble perfectly up to 24 hours ahead. Layer sliced potatoes, diced ham (about 2 cups), onions, and cheese sauce in a greased 9×13-inch dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to avoid cracking the dish from cold shock. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes if needed. This make-ahead method saves time for holidays or weeknights. For best texture, don’t assemble more than a day early, as potatoes may discolor. Freezing unbaked works too—thaw overnight in fridge before baking. Pairs great with busy schedules. (104 words)

Can you freeze scalloped potatoes and ham?

Yes, scalloped potatoes and ham freeze well for up to 2 months, extending enjoyment beyond fresh meals. For best results, cool the fully baked dish completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace for expansion. Label with date. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until hot (internal temp 165°F). Microwave smaller portions on high in 1-2 minute bursts. Avoid freezing if dairy sauce separated; it’s better fresh. Baked leftovers freeze smoother than raw assembly. Tip: Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. This makes it ideal for meal prep or leftovers from large gatherings. (98 words)

What can I serve with scalloped potatoes and ham?

Scalloped potatoes and ham is hearty, so balance it with light sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts richness—try mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots complement the savory ham. For protein variety, pair with grilled chicken breast or a simple pork chop if not serving as main. At holidays, it shines beside turkey or roast beef. Serves 6-8 as side, 4-6 as main. Nutrition note: one serving (about 1 cup) has roughly 350 calories, 20g protein. Keep meal under 30 minutes extra prep for easy dinners. Links to salad recipes below. (102 words)