Cheese and Ham Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

To achieve perfectly tender and creamy scalloped potatoes, ensure that your potatoes are sliced uniformly thin. This allows them to cook evenly and absorb the sauce more effectively. A mandoline slicer can be particularly helpful for achieving consistent slices. Additionally, when making the sauce, be sure to cook the flour and butter mixture long enough to eliminate any raw flour taste before gradually adding the milk. This step is crucial for a smooth and flavorful béchamel sauce.

• potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and a different nutritional profile, including more fiber and vitamins.

• ham - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon provides a similar smoky flavor with less fat and calories.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a milder flavor, which can be a good alternative for those who prefer less sharpness.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a good dairy-free option that still provides creaminess.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can provide a subtle flavor enhancement.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the sauce similarly to flour and is gluten-free.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can blend more seamlessly into the dish without altering its appearance.

• Allow the cheese and ham scalloped potatoes to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled potatoes to an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can use a baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap the entire baking dish in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the potatoes tasting fresh.

• Alternatively, you can portion the scalloped potatoes into individual servings before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the containers with the date and contents to keep track of storage time. The cheese and ham scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the scalloped potatoes to an oven-safe dish if not already in one. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.

• For a quicker reheating option, you can use 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 3-5 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• Always ensure the scalloped potatoes are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure food safety.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover cheese and ham scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish. If they are already in one, you can use that.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the scalloped potatoes to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the potatoes are hot throughout.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover scalloped potatoes to the skillet.
  4. Cover and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover scalloped potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to make sure the potatoes are heated through and the top is crispy.

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

• Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and preparing the sauce by combining flour, salt, pepper, and milk.

• Whisk: Helps in stirring the flour, salt, and pepper into the melted butter until smooth, and for gradually adding milk to the mixture.

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

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the precise amounts of salt, pepper, butter, and flour.

• Knife: Used to thinly slice the potatoes and dice the ham.

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

• Baking dish: A greased dish where the layered potatoes, ham, cheese, and sauce will be baked.

• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish during the initial baking period to ensure even cooking.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the sauce and layering the ingredients in the baking dish.

• Cheese grater: Required for shredding the cheddar cheese.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish from the oven.

Use a mandoline slicer: Thinly slice the potatoes quickly and evenly with a mandoline slicer to save time and ensure uniform cooking.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Pre-cooked ham: Use pre-cooked ham to eliminate the need for additional cooking steps.

Microwave the potatoes: Partially cook the potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before layering to reduce overall baking time.

Make the sauce ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.