Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a cheesy, creamy potato casserole made with layers of potatoes and ham cooked in a creamy white sauce. It’s a comforting side dish perfect for a holiday meal or Sunday dinner!

If you love potatoes and cheese as much as I do, then you’ll love comforting casserole recipes like Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole, Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes, and this Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes and Carrots Recipe!

This Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a creamy potato side dish that’s perfect for bringing to holiday potlucks — it could even be the main event!

This dish starts with a creamy sauce that starts with a roux made with butter, flour, and herbs.

Then heavy cream and cheese are added to create that irresistible creamy sauce that’s poured over the potatoes!

Why you’ll love these cheesy scalloped potatoes:

• Comforting: Layers of tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a cozy cream sauce create a delicious comfort food that’s always a hit at any dinner table. 
• Make-ahead friendly: I love how these scalloped potatoes cook hands-off in the oven. It’s perfect for busy days!
• Versatile: Whether it’s gracing the table at a holiday dinner or making a comforting weeknight meal, this dish easily transitions from special to every day.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Ingredients:

• Red potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for Scalloped Potatoes because they hold their shape and don’t get mushy. If you don’t have red, Yukon gold potatoes are a great choice!
• Cooked ham: Leftover ham works great here. Just chop or shred it up and toss it in for a savory flavor. Any cooked ham will do, so use what you’ve got!
• Unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor to the sauce without making it too salty. I prefer unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning yourself.
• Dried parsley and dried thyme: These herbs bring in warm, earthy flavors. Fresh is fine, too, but dried herbs are perfect for a baked dish like this.
• All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce and makes it smooth and creamy. 
• Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and creamy.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Adds extra flavor to the sauce without being too salty. Vegetable broth works, too, if you need it.
• Cheese: I use a blend of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese for the perfect combination of melty and nutty flavors! You can swap out different cheeses depending on what you like.

How to make Scalloped Potatoes:

These Scalloped Potatoes look super fancy but couldn’t be easier to make! Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of instructions. 

• Peel and slice the potatoes. I recommend using a mandolin slicer for super thin slices!
• In a pan, melt the butter, then add herbs and seasonings.

• Whisk in the flour.
• Add the cream and broth. Cook until thickened, then add the cheese.

• Layer the potato slices and ham in a baking dish.
• Pour the cream sauce over the top, cover and bake until tender.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use leftover turkey instead of leftover ham or even sliced sausages, or skip it and serve these cheesy Scalloped Potatoes as a side dish to this Perfect Roast Chicken or these Baked Pork Chops.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to add vegetables to make this a full meal deal. Broccoli (though it will get quite soft), mushrooms, and thinly sliced carrots would all be great choices!
• Spice it up: Feel free to add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce — sometimes, a little heat is perfect to cut through the richness of the cheesy sauce!

How to store leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating so the potatoes don’t dry out!

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Make-ahead option:

You can assemble the dish in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking, just be sure that the potatoes are completely covered or they will brown in the meantime.

Let the dish come to room temperature or increase the baking time slightly, as the potatoes will be cold!

Serving suggestions:

This creamy potato casserole makes the perfect side dish for a holiday meal, served alongside Crockpot Turkey with Garlic Butter or Easy Spiral Ham. And don’t forget the other classic sides like Green Bean Casserole and Homemade Creamed Corn! 

However, I will often make this casserole as a main dish with Air Fryer Broccoli or Roasted Green Beans for a pop of green!

More comforting side dishes you’ll love:

• Scalloped Potatoes — if you have no leftover ham!
• Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes — perfect for a holiday potluck.
• Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes — set it and forget it.
• Broccoli Casserole — the best way to do broccoli!