Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes With Ham: A Comfort Food Classic

The memory still makes my mouth water. As a child, visiting my grandmother’s farm was always a culinary adventure, but one dish stood out above all others: her cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham. The creamy, savory aroma would fill the entire house, drawing us all into the kitchen like moths to a flame. Each bite was a perfect balance of tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a rich, cheesy sauce that coated every morsel. It was pure comfort food, made with love, and a dish I’ve been trying to perfect ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 5-6
• Yield: 1 (13×9-inch) baking dish
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 5 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 2 cups thinly sliced cooked ham, cut into 3/4 to 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup diced onion, divided
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Equipment Needed

• 13×9-inch baking pan
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. This is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

2. In a large bowl, combine the 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of celery soup, the 10 3/4 ounce can of Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup, milk, garlic powder, and white pepper. Stir thoroughly until well mixed. The consistency should be smooth and lump-free.

3. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the greased baking pan, creating an even layer. Overlapping is fine, but avoid stacking the potatoes too high in any one area.

4. Scatter half of the diced onion over the layer of potatoes. Distribute it evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

5. Pour half of the soup mixture over the potatoes and onions, ensuring that the potatoes are adequately coated. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce if needed.

6. Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the soup-covered potatoes. This layer of cheese will melt into the sauce during baking, adding richness and depth of flavor.

7. Distribute the sliced ham pieces evenly over the layer of cheese. Aim for a uniform layer of ham to ensure that each serving has a good portion of meat.

8. Repeat the layering process: Add the remaining sliced potatoes, onions, soup mixture, and shredded cheese in that order. Make sure the top layer of potatoes is well-coated with the soup mixture and topped with the remaining cheese for a beautiful golden crust.

9. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. This step is essential for steaming the potatoes and ensuring they cook through evenly.

10. Bake in the preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven for 1 hour. The foil traps the steam, allowing the potatoes to become tender without drying out.

11. After 1 hour, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the pan. Be cautious of the hot steam escaping.

12. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slightly golden-brown crust. The top should be nicely browned and the potatoes easily pierced with a fork.

13. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the molten cheese.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup mixture. It complements the ham beautifully.
• If you want a creamier sauce, substitute heavy cream for the milk. It will add a luxurious richness to the dish.
• To prevent the potatoes from browning too much on top during the final 30 minutes of baking, you can tent the pan loosely with foil again.
• If you are short on time, you can parboil the sliced potatoes for a few minutes before layering them in the pan. This will reduce the overall baking time. Just be careful not to overcook them!
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious additions.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham warm, as a main course or a hearty side dish. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	444 kcal	N/A
Fat	22.3g	34%
Saturated Fat	10.6g	52%
Cholesterol	89.1mg	29%
Sodium	643.2mg	26%
Carbohydrate	35.2g	11%
Fiber	4.1g	16%
Sugars	2.9g	N/A
Protein	25.8g	51%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure that the cream of celery soup and cheddar cheese soup are gluten-free varieties.
• Add a layer of sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrients.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
• Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: Absolutely! Ham steaks, leftover holiday ham, or even diced bacon would work well in this recipe. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly based on the saltiness of the ham.

Q: My potatoes are still hard after 1 hour of baking. What should I do?
A: Make sure the pan is tightly covered with foil to trap the steam. If the potatoes are still hard, continue baking, covered, for another 15-30 minutes, checking periodically for doneness.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a smoked Gouda would all be delicious options.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham are more than just a dish; they are a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. This recipe is a testament to the power of comfort food and the memories it can evoke. I encourage you to try it, adapt it to your own tastes, and share it with the people you love. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion gathering, this dish is sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let me know how your version turns out – I’m always excited to hear your experiences and variations! Pair this delightful dish with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir for an extra touch of elegance. Happy cooking!