Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe

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

Ham: Diced to add a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded to melt smoothly and provide a rich, cheesy layer.

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

All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and smooth.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When making the sauce for your cheesy scalloped potatoes, ensure you whisk continuously while gradually adding the milk. This prevents lumps from forming and results in a smooth, creamy consistency. Additionally, for a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or even a mix of milk and heavy cream.

• potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and are packed with nutrients.

• ham - Substitute with bacon: Bacon provides a similar smoky flavor and can be easily diced.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere melts well and has a rich, creamy flavor that complements the dish.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and still provides a rich flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to flour.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the dish richer and creamier.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a depth of flavor and umami, but use sparingly to avoid over-salting.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile.

• Allow the cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a resealable plastic bag, ensuring all air is squeezed out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the potatoes and ham fresh while maintaining the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.
• For freezing, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Alternatively, portion the scalloped potatoes into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. This makes reheating easier and quicker.
• Label the containers with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this period, the quality may start to decline, affecting the texture and flavor.
• To reheat, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's integrity.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the thawed scalloped potatoes to an oven-safe dish if not already in one.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to restore the golden, bubbly top.
• For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the potatoes to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftovers in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help rehydrate the dish. Cover and heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the scalloped potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crispy.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the leftover potatoes to the slow cooker. Add a bit of milk or cream to keep them moist. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the scalloped potatoes and ham, ensuring they are cooked evenly and develop a golden, bubbly top.

• Saucepan: Essential for melting the butter and cooking the flour to create the base of the sauce.

• Whisk: Helps to gradually incorporate the milk into the butter and flour mixture, ensuring a smooth and thickened sauce.

• Baking dish: Holds the layered potatoes, ham, cheese, and sauce, allowing them to cook together and meld flavors.

• Foil: Covers the baking dish for the first part of the baking process to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

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

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

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like potatoes, ham, cheese, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like butter and flour.

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

Use a mandoline: Slice the potatoes quickly and evenly with a mandoline slicer to save time.

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

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

Microwave the sauce: Speed up the sauce preparation by using a microwave to melt the butter and thicken the milk mixture.

Layer efficiently: Arrange all ingredients within easy reach to streamline the layering process in the baking dish.