Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Potatoes: Thinly sliced to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.

Diced ham: Adds a savory and salty flavor to the dish.

Grated cheddar cheese: Provides a rich and creamy taste that complements the ham and potatoes.

Butter: Used to create the base of the creamy sauce.

All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a smooth and velvety texture.

Milk: Combines with the flour and butter to form the creamy sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the sauce.

When preparing scalloped potatoes, ensure that the potatoes are sliced uniformly thin. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the sauce better. A mandoline slicer can be very useful for achieving consistent slices. Additionally, when making the sauce, be sure to whisk continuously while gradually adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming. This will result in a smooth and creamy texture that coats the potatoes and ham perfectly.

• thinly sliced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness, which can complement the dish well.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: Turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor.

• grated cheddar cheese - Substitute with grated mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that can work nicely in this dish.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can provide a different but pleasant flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the sauce similarly to flour and is a good gluten-free alternative.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that can still provide the creaminess needed for the sauce.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor, but use it sparingly due to its higher sodium content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor and can be less visually noticeable in the dish.

• Allow the ham and scalloped potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a resealable plastic bag, but make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This will keep the potatoes and ham fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or wrapped dish with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen ham and scalloped potatoes can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the potatoes and ham.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of reheating.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ham and scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the ham and scalloped potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until evenly warmed.

• If you prefer a crispy top, reheat in a skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the ham and scalloped potatoes in the skillet, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the edges are crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham and scalloped potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated and slightly crispy.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham and scalloped potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the dish at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Saucepan: Utilized to melt butter and prepare the sauce by combining flour and milk.

• Whisk: Essential for gradually whisking in the milk to ensure a smooth sauce.

• Baking dish: The vessel where you layer the potatoes, ham, cheese, and sauce.

• Foil: Used to cover the baking dish for the first part of the baking process to retain moisture.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the potatoes thinly and dicing the ham.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing potatoes and dicing ham.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the potatoes, ham, cheese, and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the butter, flour, salt, and pepper precisely.

• Grater: Utilized to grate the cheddar cheese.

• Mixing spoon: Handy for stirring the sauce as it cooks and thickens.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-slice potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice potatoes.

Pre-cooked ham: Buy pre-diced ham to save time on chopping.

Shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid grating.

Microwave potatoes: Partially cook potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes to reduce oven time.

Make sauce ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.

Layer efficiently: Arrange all ingredients on the counter before layering to streamline the process.

Use foil wisely: Cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure even cooking and reduce cleanup.