Comfort in a Crock: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. It was always warm, filled with the comforting scent of simmering broth and baked goods. But the ultimate promise of a good day was the rich, savory fragrance of scalloped potatoes and ham wafting from her ancient crock-pot. Every bite was an act of love, a taste of pure, unadulterated comfort. Even now, decades later, I recreate this dish, and the familiar flavors connect me to her, to my childhood, and to the simple joys of a shared meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-6 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: One large crockpot full
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free (Contains cream of celery soup)

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs approx. potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 (8 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
• 3 ounces sliced cheddar cheese
• 1 1⁄2 lbs thick sliced ham (or more)
• 1 onion, diced

Equipment Needed

• Crock-Pot (Slow Cooker)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly – about 1/8 inch thick is ideal for even cooking in the slow cooker. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices if you have one. Dice the onion.

2. Now, start layering the ingredients in your crock-pot. Place approximately half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crock-pot, creating an even layer.

3. Next, layer the sliced ham over the potatoes. Don’t be afraid to use more than 1 1/2 pounds if you prefer a meatier dish. Ensure the ham is evenly distributed over the potatoes.

4. Sprinkle the diced onion over the ham. This will add a lovely subtle flavor as the dish cooks.

5. Now, layer the remaining potatoes on top of the ham and onions.

6. Pour both cans of cream of celery soup evenly over the potatoes. Ensure the soup covers as much of the potatoes as possible.

7. Cut the butter (or margarine) into small chunks and drop them randomly around the top of the soup. This will add richness and help prevent the potatoes from drying out.

8. Lay the sliced cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. This will melt beautifully during cooking, creating a delicious, cheesy crust.

9. Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for approximately 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices and how hot your crock-pot runs. A good indication of doneness is when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

10. During the cooking process, it’s a good idea to stir the mixture at least once. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the crock-pot. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking up the potatoes too much.

11. Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, your scalloped potatoes and ham are ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For even faster cooking, consider parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the crock-pot. This will reduce the overall cooking time.
• If your crock-pot tends to run hot, use the low setting to prevent the potatoes from burning. You can also add a little bit of milk or cream to the mixture to provide extra moisture.
• For a richer flavor, consider using a smoked ham or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the soup mixture.
• If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your scalloped potatoes and ham hot, straight from the crock-pot. This dish is delicious on its own or as a side dish to a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low. The dish is generally best consumed within a few days, as the potatoes can become a bit mushy after extended storage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	425.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	203 g	48%
Total Fat	22.6 g	34%
Saturated Fat	11.8 g	59%
Cholesterol	92.1 mg	30%
Sodium	1875.5 mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate	30.4 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3.6 g	14%
Sugars	2.5 g	N/A
Protein	25.5 g	50%

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would add a unique flavor to the dish.
• Meat Options: If you’re not a fan of ham, try using cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture for a little heat.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary would add a lovely aromatic element to the dish.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: Yes, while the recipe calls for cream of celery soup, you can easily substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish in the crock-pot and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked.

Q: My crock-pot runs very hot. What should I do?
A: If your crock-pot tends to run hot, use the low setting and check the potatoes frequently to ensure they don’t burn. You can also add a little extra liquid to the mixture to help prevent sticking.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze scalloped potatoes and ham, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing. They may become a bit mushy. If you do freeze it, be sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before reheating.

Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a crock-pot?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Final Thoughts

This scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of simpler times and cherished memories. I encourage you to try it, make it your own, and share it with those you love. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own personal touches, I hope this dish brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought me over the years. And please, let me know how it turns out! I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures. Perhaps serve it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.