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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: A Comforting Homemade Classic

Few dishes capture the feeling of home quite like a warm, bubbling casserole of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. This timeless comfort food combines thinly sliced potatoes, layers of savory ham, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese to create a meal that is both simple and satisfying. Whether served during a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or as a way to use leftover ham, this dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty flavor.

Unlike ordinary potato casseroles, scalloped potatoes are known for their elegant layers and slow baking process, allowing every slice of potato to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. Adding ham transforms the recipe into a complete meal, bringing a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a favorite because it is:

Comforting and filling: The combination of potatoes, cheese, and ham creates a satisfying dish perfect for any season.
Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it is ideal for beginner cooks.
Perfect for leftovers: It is an excellent way to use leftover holiday ham.
Family-friendly: The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it appealing to both children and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:

3 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
2 cups cooked ham, diced into small pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to the saltiness of the ham)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes. Slice them into thin, even rounds about ⅛ inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform is important because it allows the potatoes to cook evenly.

Place the sliced potatoes in cold water while preparing the other ingredients. This helps prevent them from turning brown and removes some excess starch, which contributes to a smoother texture.

Before assembling the dish, drain and pat the potatoes dry.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

The sauce is what gives this recipe its rich and comforting flavor.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for about one minute. This creates a smooth base for the sauce and removes the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce begins to thicken.

Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.