Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham baked in a creamy cheddar sauce until tender, bubbling and golden on top. The classic Easter and leftover-ham supper.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
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Heat the oven to 190°C / 375°F (170°C / 340°F fan) and butter a 30 x 20 cm baking dish.
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Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add the flour and stir for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the warm milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
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Take the pan off the heat and stir in the mustard, thyme, salt, pepper and two thirds of the cheddar until the cheese has melted.
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Spread a third of the potatoes in the dish, scatter over a third of the ham and spoon over a third of the sauce. Repeat the layers twice more.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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Remove the foil, scatter over the rest of the cheddar and bake for 30 to 35 minutes more, until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced and the top is golden and bubbling.
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Rest for 10 minutes, then scatter with parsley and serve.
Tips for Making Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Slice the potatoes evenly, about the thickness of a coin. A mandoline does it in minutes, and uneven slices leave some hard and some collapsed.
- Do not rinse the sliced potatoes. The surface starch is what helps thicken the sauce as it bakes.
- Check the potatoes with a knife before you take the foil off. If the middle is still firm, give it another 10 minutes under cover.
Common Substitutions & Variations
- An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Steamed green beans
- A crisp green salad
- Honey-glazed carrots
Storing & Reheating Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Keeps covered in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats well in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Freezing makes the potatoes grainy, so it is best eaten fresh.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham FAQ: Common Questions
How long does Scalloped Potatoes and Ham take to make?
About 1 hour 55 minutes in total — 25 minutes of preparation and 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 6.
What are the key tips for making Scalloped Potatoes and Ham?
Slice the potatoes evenly, about the thickness of a coin. A mandoline does it in minutes, and uneven slices leave some hard and some collapsed. Do not rinse the sliced potatoes. The surface starch is what helps thicken the sauce as it bakes. Check the potatoes with a knife before you take the foil off. If the middle is still firm, give it another 10 minutes under cover.
What should I serve with Scalloped Potatoes and Ham?
Steamed green beans; A crisp green salad; Honey-glazed carrots.
Can Scalloped Potatoes and Ham be made ahead or frozen?
Keeps covered in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats well in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Freezing makes the potatoes grainy, so it is best eaten fresh.
Is Scalloped Potatoes and Ham suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Scalloped Potatoes and Ham?
About 455 kcal per serving, with 23 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 19 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
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