Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is a comforting and richly flavored casserole that layers thinly sliced potatoes with savory ham, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own or a delightful side dish, particularly appealing during cooler weather. The process of layering the potatoes and ham ensures that each slice is infused with the creamy sauce, while the baking allows the potatoes to become tender and the cheese to melt into a golden crust. The ham adds a salty, smoky depth of flavor that beautifully complements the mild sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the dairy-based sauce. Often seasoned with simple aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs such as thyme or nutmeg, this casserole is a testament to the deliciousness that can be achieved with humble ingredients.
The texture of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is a delightful interplay of creamy and slightly firm. The thinly sliced potatoes, when cooked slowly in the sauce, become tender yet retain a slight bite, preventing them from becoming mushy. The creamy sauce, thickened by the starch released from the potatoes and often enhanced with cheese, coats each layer, providing a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel. The baked top layer typically forms a golden-brown crust, often with bubbling cheese that adds a slightly crispy and caramelized element to the overall texture. The inclusion of ham provides tender, slightly chewy pieces interspersed throughout the casserole, adding another layer of textural interest.
The flavor profile of this dish is a harmonious blend of savory and subtly sweet notes. The potatoes, with their mild, earthy flavor, serve as a blank canvas for the richer elements. The ham contributes a significant salty and smoky depth, which is a defining characteristic of the dish. The creamy sauce, often infused with garlic and onion during cooking, adds a savory richness. The cheese, typically cheddar or Gruyère, introduces a sharp and tangy counterpoint that elevates the overall flavor. A hint of nutmeg or thyme, often used to season the sauce, adds a warm and aromatic complexity without overpowering the other ingredients. The result is a well-balanced and deeply satisfying dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various preferences and occasions. It can be served as a complete meal, especially for a cozy weeknight dinner, or as a substantial side dish alongside roasted meats or poultry. Its hearty nature makes it particularly well-suited for family gatherings and holiday meals. The dish can also be prepared in advance and reheated, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Variations of the recipe might include the addition of other vegetables like sautéed onions or leeks layered with the potatoes and ham, or the use of different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
The preparation of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham involves careful slicing and layering of the ingredients to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. The creamy sauce is typically made by heating milk or cream with butter, flour (to thicken), and seasonings, often with cheese stirred in at the end. This sauce is then poured over the layers of potatoes and ham before the entire casserole is baked in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a cohesive and delicious dish. The aroma that fills the kitchen as this casserole bakes is a testament to the comforting and satisfying meal that awaits.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced or thinly sliced
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, or a blend
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oval casserole dish
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife or mandoline for slicing potatoes
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish or casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Potatoes and Ham: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly using a sharp knife or a mandoline. If using a mandoline, exercise caution. Dice or thinly slice the cooked ham.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the salt, pepper, minced garlic (if using), and nutmeg or thyme (if using) into the cream sauce. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Layer the Potatoes and Ham: Arrange a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle some of the diced or sliced ham over the potatoes. Pour some of the cream sauce over the potatoes and ham, ensuring they are mostly covered. Repeat these layers of potatoes, ham, and sauce until all the potatoes and ham are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, or cheese blend evenly over the top layer of the cream sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, let the Scalloped Potatoes with Ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra black pepper before serving, if desired.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Scalloped Potatoes with Ham as a satisfying meal or a delightful side dish!