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Comfort in a Casserole: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

I can still picture it: a chilly autumn evening, the aroma of baked potatoes and savory ham wafting from the kitchen. My grandmother, a woman whose hands held the secrets to generations of comfort food, would pull a bubbling casserole dish from the oven. The golden, slightly crispy top layer of potatoes gave way to a creamy, tender interior, studded with salty bites of ham. It wasn’t fancy, but it was love on a plate – a dish that warmed both body and soul, and one I’ve cherished ever since. This simple recipe captures the essence of that memory.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 1 Casserole Dish
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

4-5 medium potatoes, sliced thin
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
0.5 (10 3/4 ounce) can water
1 cup cooked ham, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Season salt (optional)

Equipment Needed

2-quart casserole dish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center.
In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and water. Whisk together until the soup is thinned and evenly distributed in the water. This creates the creamy base for your scalloped potatoes.
Add the thinly sliced potatoes and chopped ham to the casserole dish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – potatoes absorb a lot of flavor during baking. If desired, add season salt for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the potato slices are well coated with the soup mixture and evenly distributed with the ham. This will ensure uniform cooking and flavor throughout the dish.
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and don’t dry out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your potato slices and the accuracy of your oven.
Remove the lid or foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the top of the potatoes to brown slightly and develop a golden crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Once the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your comforting scalloped potatoes with ham alongside a side of biscuits and green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Thinly Sliced Potatoes are Key: Uniformly thin slices of potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) are crucial for even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Avoid overfilling the casserole dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, use two smaller dishes instead of one large one.
Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of nutmeg to the soup mixture.
Prevent Sticking: Grease the casserole dish thoroughly before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the scalloped potatoes with ham hot, directly from the casserole dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. 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 casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. This dish is best enjoyed within a few days and isn’t recommended for freezing as the texture of the potatoes may change.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	325 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	10.9g	16%
Saturated Fat	3.4g	16%
Cholesterol	31.7mg	10%
Sodium	604.9mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	42.7g	14%
Dietary Fiber	4.7g	18%
Sugars	2.9g	N/A
Protein	14.7g	29%

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

Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add a layer of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese to the top of the potatoes during the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for a meat-free version.
Creamier Texture: Substitute half of the water with milk or cream for an even richer and creamier sauce.
Different Soup Base: Experiment with different cream-based soups, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery, for a unique flavor profile.
Garlic Lovers: Roast a head of garlic and mash the cloves into the soup mixture before baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
A: Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally creamy texture that works beautifully in scalloped potatoes. They also hold their shape well during baking.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe?
A: Yes, pre-shredded cheese is a convenient option. However, freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and evenly.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from browning too quickly?
A: Cover the casserole dish with foil during the first part of baking to prevent excessive browning. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Q: Can I add onions to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Sauté thinly sliced onions in a little butter or oil until softened, then add them to the casserole dish along with the potatoes and ham.

Q: The sauce seems thin after baking. What did I do wrong?
A: If the sauce is too thin, continue baking the casserole dish uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of each) to the sauce during the last few minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

Scalloped potatoes with ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a comforting reminder of simple pleasures. It’s a dish that invites sharing, evokes memories, and nourishes the soul. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey of flavor and nostalgia. I hope you enjoy creating this dish as much as I enjoy sharing it. Feel free to add your own personal touches and make it your own. Bon appétit!

Scalloped Potatoes W/Ham Recipe