Sarasota’s Supreme Smoky Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

The aroma still takes me back. I can almost see my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, carefully layering thinly sliced potatoes in a buttered casserole dish. It wasn’t just food; it was love made edible, a comforting hug on a plate after a long day spent playing on the beach. And that hint of smoky cheese – absolute heaven. This recipe is a love letter to those flavors, updated with a hint of crisp bacon and savory ham, but still carrying the heart of Grandma’s kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yields: One 13×9″ Casserole
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled, your preference)
• 1 1/2 cups diced ham
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, cut in quarters and thinly sliced
• 1 small celery rib, cut in half lengthwise 2x and then finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup grated smoked gouda cheese
• 3/4 cup grated white cheddar cheese (divided)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup grated white cheddar cheese (from above)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Medium saucepan
• 13×9 inch casserole dish
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet or saucepan, place the diced bacon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. This should take about 5-7 minutes. No added oil or butter is needed, as the bacon will render its own fat.
2. Drain the Bacon: Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Celery: Leave approximately 1 teaspoon of bacon drippings in the pan (discard the rest). Add the sliced onion and diced celery to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and the celery is tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Combine Vegetables and Bacon: Add the cooked bacon back to the pan with the sautéed onion and celery. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
5. Prepare Ham and Potatoes: Ensure the ham is diced and the potatoes are thinly sliced. If you prefer peeled potatoes, peel them before slicing. If not, just wash and slice. It’s important to slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking.
6. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7. Create a Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly to create a smooth paste (a roux). Cook the roux over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
8. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sauce. Continue whisking and cook over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10. Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the grated smoked gouda cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated white cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out, adjusting to your desired consistency.
11. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
12. Layer the Ingredients: Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with one-half of the onion and celery mixture, one-half of the diced ham, and one-half of the cheese sauce.
13. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process: another one-third of the potatoes, the remaining onion and celery mixture, the remaining diced ham, and the remaining cheese sauce.
14. Final Layer: Top with the remaining one-third of the sliced potatoes.
15. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated white cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. Sprinkle paprika over the cheese for color and flavor.
16. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
17. Bake Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should meet little resistance.
18. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Potato Prep: To prevent potatoes from browning after slicing, place them in a bowl of cold water until ready to use. Drain well before layering.
• Cheese Choice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, fontina, or even a sharp provolone would all be delicious additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Creamy Sauce: For an extra-rich sauce, substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly for uniform cooking. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Sarasota’s Supreme Smoky Scalloped Potatoes & Ham hot, as a comforting main course or a hearty side dish. It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Freezing: While not ideal, scalloped potatoes can be frozen. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	464.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	249 g	54%
Total Fat	27.7 g	42%
Saturated Fat	16.1 g	80%
Cholesterol	98.4 mg	32%
Sodium	1543.2 mg	64%
Total Carbohydrate	29.5 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	12%
Sugars	2.2 g	N/A
Protein	25 g	49%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the ham and bacon. Add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is not gluten free, but using a gluten free flour will make it Gluten-Free.
• Lower Fat: Use skim milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a touch of heat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe due to their high starch content, but Yukon Gold potatoes would also be a good choice.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?
A: Whisk the flour and butter together constantly to create a smooth roux and add the milk and cream slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the casserole. Sauté them along with the onion and celery.

Q: How can I tell if the potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Final Thoughts

This Sarasota’s Supreme Smoky Scalloped Potatoes & Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and let the comforting aroma fill your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I guarantee this dish will become a family favorite, passed down through generations. Enjoy, and please share your feedback! It’s a classic comfort dish that, with the smoky flavor additions, becomes something truly special.