Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

There are few things more satisfying than a bubbling, golden-brown casserole pulled fresh from the oven—especially when it’s filled with thinly sliced potatoes, tender ham, sweet sautéed onions, and layers of melty cheddar. This Ham and Scalloped Potatoes recipe is my go-to for winter gatherings or lazy Sunday dinners, inspired by my grandmother’s old-fashioned Midwestern cooking.

It’s warm, filling, and made with simple ingredients that come together into something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for comfort food leftovers, this dish delivers big time.

Why You’ll Love Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

• Creamy, cheesy, dreamy layers
• Perfect make-ahead casserole for guests
• Great use of leftover ham
• Crowd-pleaser: Serves about 8 generous portions
• Winter-approved comfort food

Ingredients

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Layers:

• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing onions)
• 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (use a mandoline if you have one!)
• 24 oz sliced ham (about 2 thick ham steaks), cubed
• 4 cups freshly grated mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a deep 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to add a bit of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of butter.
2. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Return to heat and simmer, whisking, until thickened—about 5–7 minutes.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, until golden and soft.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part:

1. Spread 1/3 of the white sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Layer with:
   • Half of the sliced potatoes
   • Half of the sautéed onions
   • Half of the cubed ham
   • Half of the shredded cheese
3. Pour another 1/3 of the white sauce evenly over the top and season lightly.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for 30–40 more minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze baked portions in airtight containers. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or covered in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Variations & Tips

• Add a dash of ground mustard or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for depth.
• Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss for a more gourmet twist.
• Use leftover roast chicken or turkey instead of ham if you prefer.

More Hearty Winter Favorites:

• Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew
• Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Scalloped Potatoes casserole is the kind of dish that gathers people around the table, brings comfort to cold evenings, and tastes even better the next day. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-have recipe in every winter rotation. Give it a try and let the cheesy goodness speak for itself!