
Scalloped Casserole Dish with Ham and Potatoes is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish is made by layering sliced potatoes, diced ham, and a creamy bechamel sauce in a baking dish.
The key to a great scalloped casserole is using high-quality ingredients, and in this case, that means using a flavorful ham and thin slices of potato. Thin slices of potato are essential to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and quickly.
A 9x13 inch baking dish is a great size for this recipe, and it allows the layers to cook evenly and the top to get nice and golden brown. By using a 9x13 inch dish, you can also easily serve 6-8 people.
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Ham and Potato Casserole Ingredients
For a delicious ham and potato casserole, you'll need the right ingredients. Russet potatoes are the perfect choice, as they have just the right amount of starch to keep the cheese sauce thick and creamy.
To make a great casserole, you'll also need some savory ingredients like cooked ham, diced onion, and butter. A medium onion is a good size to use, and you'll want to dice it finely so it cooks evenly.
For a flavorful sauce, you'll need some all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A teaspoon of Kosher salt and a half teaspoon of black pepper are good starting points. You'll also want to add some garlic powder to give your casserole a boost of flavor.
Here are the ingredients you'll need for a classic ham and potato casserole:
To make the sauce, you'll need to melt some butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Then, slowly add in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Recipe and Tips
To make a delicious scalloped casserole dish, start by slicing your potatoes as thinly as possible, about 1/4" thick. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
For the sauce, use a roux made with butter and flour, cooked until it bubbles and then let it cook for an additional minute to eliminate any flour taste. You can also add spices or cheeses to the sauce for extra flavor.
Here are some tips for assembling the dish: grease a 13×9 inch baking pan, layer the ingredients, and top with grated cheese if desired. You can also add a crunchy twist by sprinkling Crispy Fried Onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Here's a list of ingredients you'll need for the recipe:
- 16 ounce cooked ham, cubed
- 7 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 Tablespoons butter, sliced into Tablespoon portions
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional topping)
Recipe Tips
To make the perfect scalloped potatoes, you'll want to start with the right ingredients. Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold are ideal because they have the perfect amount of starch and absorbance, keeping the cheese sauce nice and thick as it cooks.
For the best results, slice your potatoes as thinly as possible, about 1/4" thick. A mandoline makes this easy, but you can also practice your knife skills to get the job done.
Traditionally, scalloped potatoes don't have cheese, but adding cheddar between each layer gives the dish a major mac & cheese vibe. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a mixture of cheddar, gruyere, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a unique flavor combination.
To assemble the dish, grease a 13×9 inch baking pan or casserole dish and layer the ingredients. If you'd like to add another layer of flavor, grate 1 cup of your favorite cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the casserole before baking.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/4" thick)
- Add cheese between each layer for a mac & cheese vibe
- Use a mixture of cheddar, gruyere, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a unique flavor combination
- Grate 1 cup of your favorite cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the casserole before baking
Ham and Potato Casserole Tips
Traditionally, scalloped potatoes don't have cheese, but adding cheddar between each layer gives the dish major mac & cheese vibes.
To slice your potatoes thinly, use a mandoline or practice your knife skills. Aim for slices about 1/4" thick, though a little variation isn't make-or-break.
For the best results, bake the casserole for longer than you think you need to. The sauce should be bubbling violently around the edges, and the potatoes should be tender to the point of being creamy.
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If you're using prepacked ham, take it out of the package, cube it up, and you're ready to go. Two 8-ounce ham steaks will give you the 16 ounces needed for the recipe.
To prevent potatoes from getting waterlogged, don't slice them up and keep them in water for a long period. Instead, peel and slice them right before making the casserole.
The roux for this recipe uses butter and flour. Melt the butter, add the flour, whisk until combined, and cook until it bubbles. Then, let it cook for another minute to eliminate the flour taste.
Here are some storage tips for leftover scalloped potatoes:
Don't let leftover scalloped potatoes sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If they've been out too long, it's best to throw them out to avoid foodborne illness.
Storage & Prep
Leftover scalloped potatoes will keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer. You can store them in the fridge right after your meal to keep them food safe.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare and bake it up to 24 hours ahead. Let it cool, then cover and chill.
To store leftover scalloped potatoes, put them in the fridge right after your meal. They should not sit at room temperature any longer than 2 hours.
Covered and refrigerated, leftover ham and potatoes can be stored for up to 1 week. When reheated, the consistency of the potatoes will be dryer, but they will be as flavorful.
Reheating several servings requires spooning them into an oven-safe casserole that's been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
For individual servings, place them on a microwavable plate and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
Additional reading: What Are the Dimensions of a 2 Qt Casserole Dish
Serving and Pairing
Scalloped casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven, to bring out the rich flavors and textures.
The ideal serving temperature is between 160°F and 170°F, which is just above the internal temperature of the casserole.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the comforting, cheesy goodness of scalloped casserole.
The acidity in the salad helps cut through the richness of the dish, creating a nice balance of flavors.
A warm, crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, is a perfect accompaniment to mop up the creamy sauce.
It's best to serve the bread on the side, so everyone can help themselves.
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Instructions and Assembly
To make a delicious scalloped casserole dish, you'll want to start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is a crucial step, as it will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
You'll need to choose a suitable baking dish, such as a 2-quart casserole or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spray the dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
To assemble the casserole, you'll need to mix potatoes and ham in the baking dish, pressing down gently to create an even surface. Then, pour a sauce over the potato mixture, followed by sprinkling butter on top.
Here's a summary of the steps to assemble the casserole:
- Mix potatoes and ham in the baking dish.
- Pour sauce over the potato mixture.
- Sprinkle butter on top.
Cover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best baking dish for scalloped potatoes?
For scalloped potatoes, a glass or ceramic casserole dish is a suitable substitute for a traditional gratin dish.
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