This Pioneer Woman Ham Scalloped Potatoes recipe brings the ultimate comfort food to your table. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s signature style, this dish is wonderfully straightforward to make, delivering a rich, creamy, and savory flavor profile, perfectly enhanced by the inclusion of ham.
Pioneer Woman’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: Meat and Potatoes Perfection
When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, Pioneer Woman’s scalloped potatoes and ham truly stands out. This isn’t just another potato casserole; it’s a comforting classic elevated to family-favorite status. If you’re searching for a standout recipe to make the most of leftover ham or simply want to serve a crowd-pleasing, deeply satisfying meal, this Ham and Potato Casserole is your answer.
Ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings, this timeless casserole seamlessly blends the comforting flavors of cheesy scalloped potatoes with the savory delight of tender diced ham. Many believe, and we wholeheartedly agree, that this is the best ham and scalloped potatoes recipe you’ll ever encounter.
What makes this creamy and cheesy side dish truly exceptional is its beautiful simplicity. Forget about complicated roux-making or pre-cooking sauces. This recipe streamlines the process, making it a perfect choice even during busy holiday preparations. The luscious, velvety sauce magically forms as it bakes, thanks to a simple whisk of half-and-half, heavy cream, flour, and a hint of black pepper – the oven does all the work to thicken it to perfection.
Beyond being an excellent choice for serving large groups, this casserole is also incredibly practical for utilizing leftover ham from holiday dinners. The ham introduces a delightful savory and slightly salty note that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy, cheesy potatoes. No leftover ham? No problem! Ham steaks are a fantastic and readily available alternative.
So, are you on the hunt for a fail-proof, delicious dish that will be a hit with everyone? Look no further than this easy, classic ham and potato casserole. Its irresistible combination of tender potatoes, a decadent sauce, and flavorful ham is destined to become a cherished favorite, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.
While you’re exploring delicious recipes, don’t miss out on other Pioneer Woman classics. Her easy chocolate pie and the ever-popular Pioneer Woman mac and cheese are just a couple of our top recommendations.
An overhead shot of a fully garnished casserole inside of a casserole dish showcasing Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes.Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Ham Scalloped Potatoes
Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this comforting Pioneer Woman-inspired dish:
Potatoes: For the best results, we recommend using russet potatoes. Their high starch content is crucial for achieving that signature tender and creamy texture in scalloped potatoes. Russets have a mild flavor that allows them to absorb and complement the richness of the other ingredients, making them ideal for this casserole.
Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice and work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly buttery flavor. However, it’s best to avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to release too much moisture during baking, which can affect the creamy consistency of the casserole.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is the star protein, infusing the dish with a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying bite. Its subtly salty taste provides a perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce and tender potatoes. Leftover ham is perfect here, or you can use readily available cubed ham steaks.
Onion: Sautéed onions are essential for building depth of flavor. They contribute a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste profile and beautifully complements both the ham and potatoes.
Butter: Butter plays a dual role in this recipe. It’s used to sauté the onions and ham, adding richness, and also to grease the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding a hint of buttery flavor to the edges.
Half-and-Half and Heavy Cream: This duo of dairy creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that binds the entire casserole together. Half-and-half provides lightness, while heavy cream ensures a rich and velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
Flour: A touch of all-purpose flour is whisked into the cream mixture to act as a thickening agent. As the casserole bakes, the flour helps create a perfectly rich and satisfying sauce.
Black Pepper: Simple yet essential, black pepper adds a touch of warmth and depth, enhancing the savory flavors of the ham, potatoes, and creamy sauce. Don’t underestimate its impact!
Cheese: A blend of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is used for the ultimate cheesy experience. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, bold flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully, adding a smooth, mild, and creamy counterpoint. Using a blend ensures a well-rounded cheese flavor and texture.
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The labeled ingredients for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes, detailing each component.]
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman-inspired scalloped potatoes and ham casserole:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature (refer to the recipe card below for exact temperature). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly and set it aside, ready for layering.
2. Sauté Onions: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl it around as it melts to coat the entire bottom of the pan. Add the diced onions and sauté until they just begin to turn translucent and soften, releasing their aroma.
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Melting butter in a hot skillet followed by adding diced onions for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes.]
3. Sauté Ham: Add the diced ham to the skillet with the onions. Continue to sauté until the ham is heated through and slightly browned, allowing its flavors to meld with the onions. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sautéed ham and onions to a separate bowl. Set aside for layering.
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Sautéing onions in a hot skillet before adding cubed cooked ham for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes.]
4. Warm Cream Mixture: In a microwave-safe container, pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Microwave briefly, just until the chill is removed – you don’t want it to be hot, just warmed. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps of flour remain.
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Adding flour and pepper to the milk mixture and mixing for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes sauce.]
5. Slice Potatoes: Using a mandolin set to the thinnest setting, carefully slice all the potatoes. Discard the very first and last slices, which are often uneven. Thin, even slices are key to perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes.
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Discarding potato ends and slicing with a mandolin slicer over a baking tray for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes.]
6. Layer Ingredients: Begin layering the casserole. Place a portion of the thinly sliced potato slices in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create a solid base. Evenly spread a portion of the sautéed ham and onions over the potato layer. Sprinkle a generous portion of the shredded cheese over the ham and onion mixture. Just before adding, whisk the cream mixture again to ensure it’s smooth, then spread a portion of the cream mixture evenly over the casserole layers.
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Adding cheese and cream mixture to the layered casserole dish for Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes.]
7. Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process two more times, following the same sequence: potatoes, ham and onions, cheese, and cream sauce. Ensure you end with a final layer of the creamy sauce over the top of the cheese for a beautifully browned and bubbly finish.
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Adding the additional layers to form the Pioneer Woman ham and potato casserole.]
8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for the initial baking time (check recipe card for specific time), until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. After the initial baking period, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue to bake for the remaining time, or until the casserole is hot throughout, bubbly around the edges, and the top is beautifully golden brown.
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A freshly baked Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes casserole in a casserole dish.]
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken up and the flavors to meld together perfectly. After resting, cut the Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes into squares and serve hot. For full written instructions, including precise ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, please refer to the recipe card below.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Ham Scalloped Potatoes
To ensure your Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes are a resounding success, keep these pro tips in mind:
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Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always opt for freshly shredded cheese, especially for the cheddar and Monterey Jack. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a slightly gritty texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully into the casserole.
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Mandolin for Even Slices: Using a mandolin to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly is highly recommended. Consistent thickness ensures that the potatoes cook uniformly throughout the casserole, leading to a better texture overall. If you don’t have a mandolin, aim for very thin and even slices using a sharp knife.
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Prevent Potato Discoloration: If you plan to slice the potatoes ahead of time, it’s essential to prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown. To do this, immediately place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water as you slice them. Just before layering them in the casserole, make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess water can make the sauce thin.
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Parboiling for Speed (Optional): If you’re short on time and want to reduce the overall baking time, you can parboil the potato slices before layering them. Boil them for about 5 minutes, then drain and cool slightly before assembling the casserole. This jump-starts the cooking process.
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Resting is Essential: Resist the urge to serve the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven. Allowing the Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes to rest for at least 10 minutes is crucial. During this time, the sauce will thicken, set slightly, and the flavors will meld and deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Potatoes
Let’s address some common questions you might have when making scalloped potatoes:
Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?
Scalloped potatoes will indeed cook faster when initially covered with aluminum foil. Covering the dish traps heat and steam, which helps the potatoes to cook through more quickly and evenly. The foil essentially creates a moist environment that aids in tenderizing the potatoes. After the potatoes are mostly tender, removing the foil for the last part of baking allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly, achieving that desirable finish.
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A close up shot showing the inside texture of the Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole.]
How Do You Know When Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?
Knowing when your scalloped potatoes are perfectly cooked is key. They are done when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork – they should offer very little resistance. Visually, the sauce should be thick and bubbly around the edges and throughout, and the cheese topping should be melted, golden, and also bubbly. These are all indicators that your casserole is cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time For Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can definitely slice potatoes ahead of time to save preparation time. However, as mentioned in the pro tips, it’s crucial to store them properly to prevent discoloration. Immediately after slicing, submerge the potato slices in a bowl of cold water. For longer storage (up to a few hours), keep them submerged in water in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry to remove excess water. This step is important to prevent a watery sauce in your final dish.
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A side shot of a Pioneer Woman casserole dish with gooey cheesy layers throughout.]
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Slow Cooker Options
Make-Ahead Instructions:
One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, it’s recommended to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
Freezing Instructions:
Freezing cooked scalloped potatoes and ham is also an option for longer-term storage. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it very tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake in a preheated oven until it’s heated through and bubbly, similar to reheating instructions for other casseroles.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
For a slightly different approach and perhaps an even easier method, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. In the slow cooker version, omit the flour and reduce the half-and-half. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as instructed for the casserole dish, starting with potatoes, then ham and onions, cheese, and cream (use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for slow cooking). Cook on HIGH for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Note that the sauce in the slow cooker version will be naturally thinner than the baked casserole, but it will still be incredibly flavorful and delicious.
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A slice of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham casserole served with a side salad.]
Stay Connected!
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A Pinterest pin image with a picture of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham, with title text at the top for easy saving.Explore More Holiday Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our collection of popular holiday recipes! These dishes are all perfect accompaniments to serve alongside your Pioneer Woman ham scalloped potatoes, creating a complete and memorable holiday meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (washed thoroughly)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 3 cups diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
- 1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese*
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9X13 casserole dish, and set aside.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and sauté until they just start to turn translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ham and sauté until it is heated through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the ham and onions to a bowl, and set aside.
- Pour the half-and-half and heavy cream into a microwave safe container. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes (just enough to remove the chill). Whisk in the flour and black pepper until it’s smooth and fully combined.
- Using a mandolin, set the thickness to the thinnest setting (1/8 inch thickness) and slice all the potatoes (discarding the first slice and the end slice).
- Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared dish, slightly overlapping each other. Then evenly spread 1/3 of the ham and onions over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese over the ham. Whisk the cream mixture before you add it to the dish each time, then spread 1/3 of the cream mixture over the casserole.
- Repeat this step 2 more times, ending with a layer of the cream sauce over a layer of the cheese. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender (about 45 minutes). After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake until it looks hot and bubbly (20-25 more minutes).
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes so that the sauce has a chance to thicken up, then cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Notes
*It’s important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheeses are coated in an anti-caking agent that makes the texture gritty after it melts.
**If you want to speed up the cooking time in the oven, you could boil the potatoes for 5 minutes, drain them, and allow them to cool enough to handle them before assembling the casserole.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/8 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 615Total Fat: 39.5gCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2.7gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 26.9g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram so we can see your delicious meal!
I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and delicious ham and potato casserole as much as I do. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy, cheesy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
