Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Ham: A Thanksgiving Transformation

I can still picture my mother-in-law’s kitchen that Thanksgiving – the warm, yeasty aroma of rising bread mingling with the savory scent of roasting turkey. When I nervously offered to help, I envisioned recreating the traditional scalloped potato dish I knew so well. But she simply smiled, gestured to a pantry shelf, and said, “Don’t have that, but I have this.” “This” turned out to be sweet potatoes, and thus, a new family favorite was born – a vibrant, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting dish that has graced our holiday table ever since. It’s far surpassed any version of the original I tried later.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ⅔ cups milk
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese, plus ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
• ¾ lb ham (cubed)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Double boiler (or heatproof bowl and saucepan)
• 9″ x 13″ rectangular baking dish
• Vegetable peeler (optional)
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Grater

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Gently boil them in a large pot of water until the skins can be easily slipped off. A fork should pierce the potato easily, but not sink completely to the center. This indicates they are cooked through but still firm enough to slice.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool enough to handle comfortably. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You can speed up the cooling process by placing them in a bowl of ice water.
3. Once cooled, slice the sweet potatoes into ¼ inch thick slices. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking in the final dish.
4. While the sweet potatoes are cooling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water), melt the butter. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
5. Add the chopped onion to the melted butter and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it mellows the onion’s sharpness and infuses the butter with its flavor. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
6. Stir in the flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and the flour begins to change color, becoming a light golden brown. This creates a roux, the base of the cheese sauce.
7. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly with a whisk. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Stir in ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Once melted, remove the sauce from the heat.
9. Prepare a 9″ x 13″ rectangular baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray (like Pam) or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
10. Begin layering the ingredients in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
11. Next, layer half of the cubed ham over the sweet potatoes.
12. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the ham.
13. Repeat the layers: remaining sweet potatoes, remaining ham, and remaining cheese sauce.
14. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
15. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
16. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half in the cheese sauce. You can also substitute a portion of the milk with chicken or vegetable broth.
• To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• If you want to add a little kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with simmering water. Just make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
• Consider adding a clove of minced garlic to the onion while sautéing for enhanced flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the scalloped sweet potatoes with ham warm, as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s especially delightful during the holidays but is wonderful anytime. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	1200mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	6g	N/A
Protein	20g	40%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the ham for a vegetarian version. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) and dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative in the cheese sauce. Ensure the butter is also dairy-free (vegan butter).
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the cheese sauce for an aromatic twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can, the dish will have a different flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes provide a subtle sweetness and creaminess that is unique to this recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?
A: The key is to gradually add the milk to the roux (butter and flour mixture) while stirring constantly. This prevents the flour from clumping together.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.

Q: What is a double boiler and why is it used?
A: A double boiler is a method of gently heating ingredients by placing them in a bowl over simmering water. It prevents scorching and ensures even heating, especially important for delicate sauces like cheese sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this family favorite, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Ham, a try. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s sure to become a cherished part of your own traditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And if you do, please share your feedback! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite dry white wine for a truly memorable meal. Happy cooking!