This scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with savory ham. If you’re searching for the perfect recipe for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in, look no further than this delightful Potato And Ham Casserole Pioneer Woman style.
Pioneer Woman’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: A Family Favorite
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming, family-friendly recipes, and this scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is no exception. It truly embodies the essence of meat and potatoes, elevated to a creamy, cheesy perfection. This classic potato casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection, loved by everyone around your table.
Looking for a standout dish to make the most of leftover ham? Or perhaps you want to serve a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal without fuss? This scrumptious and easy Ham and Potato Casserole is your answer. It’s a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion.
This ham and potato casserole Pioneer Woman recipe is a wonderful choice for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together. Many agree, and we concur, it’s possibly the best ham and scalloped potatoes casserole you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.
What makes this creamy, cheesy side dish so exceptional is its simplicity. Unlike many similar recipes, there’s no need for complicated roux-making or pre-cooking sauces. This makes it an ideal option, especially when you’re busy during holidays or weeknights. The luxuriously rich and velvety sauce is effortlessly created by simply whisking together half-and-half, heavy cream, flour, and a hint of black pepper. The magic happens in the oven, where it thickens to perfection as it bakes with the potatoes and ham.
This casserole isn’t just perfect for feeding a crowd; it’s also an ingenious way to repurpose leftover ham from your holiday feasts. The ham infuses a savory, subtly salty depth that beautifully complements the creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. And if you don’t have leftovers? Ham steaks are an excellent and readily available alternative, making this recipe accessible anytime.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a satisfying and utterly delicious dish that will be a hit with everyone, give this easy, classic ham and potato casserole a try. Its irresistible combination of tender potatoes, a decadent sauce, and savory ham will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
While you’re exploring comforting classics, be sure to check out other Pioneer Woman inspired recipes. Her easy chocolate pie and Pioneer Woman mac and cheese are also highly recommended for more delicious meal ideas.
Overhead view of the Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole, garnished and ready to serve.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Potato and Ham Casserole
Let’s gather the ingredients to bring this Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole to life. High-quality ingredients are key to the best flavor.
Potato Power: For this recipe, russet potatoes are ideal. Their high starch content is crucial for achieving that tender and creamy texture that makes scalloped potatoes so irresistible. Their mild flavor profile also allows them to absorb and beautifully complement the other flavors in the casserole. Yukon Golds are another fantastic option, offering a slightly buttery flavor and creamy texture that works wonderfully. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to release too much water during baking, which can affect the casserole’s consistency.
Ham It Up: Diced cooked ham is essential, providing a rich and savory flavor and a satisfying protein element to the dish. The slightly salty taste of the ham provides a perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce and tender potatoes. Leftover ham is perfect, or you can use cubed ham steaks for convenience.
Onion Base: Sautéed onions are fundamental for building flavor. They introduce a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that elevates the entire casserole, harmonizing beautifully with the ham and potatoes.
Butter is Better: Butter plays a dual role in this recipe. It’s used to sauté the onions and ham, adding richness, and to grease the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding a subtle buttery note to the edges.
Creamy Dream Team: Half-and-half and heavy cream are the stars of the sauce. Their combination creates a luscious, creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together. The half-and-half provides lightness, while the heavy cream contributes to the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this casserole so indulgent.
Flour Power (for Thickening): A touch of all-purpose flour is whisked into the cream mixture. This is the secret to thickening the sauce as it bakes, ensuring the casserole is wonderfully rich and satisfying, not watery.
Pepper Perfection: A simple seasoning of black pepper is all you need to add warmth and depth, enhancing the flavors of the ham, potatoes, and the creamy sauce without overpowering them.
Cheese, Please: A blend of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is the ultimate cheese combination for this casserole. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, bold flavor that cuts through the richness, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully, adding a smooth, mild flavor and creamy texture. Freshly shredded cheese is crucial for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
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Labeled ingredients ready for making Pioneer Woman's potato and ham casserole.]
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Let’s walk through how to create this comforting Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole, step by step.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch casserole dish generously. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of flavor. Set the prepared dish aside. (For full, printable instructions, see the recipe card below.)
Step 2: Sauté the Onions: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Add the diced onions and sauté until they just begin to soften and turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Sautéing the onions first mellows their flavor and adds depth to the casserole.
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Sautéing diced onions in melted butter in a skillet, the first step in making the casserole.]
Step 3: Sauté the Ham: Add the diced ham to the skillet with the onions. Sauté until the ham is heated through and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the savory flavor of the ham. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the ham and onion mixture to a bowl. Set aside.
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Adding cubed cooked ham to the sautéed onions in the skillet, continuing to build the flavor base.]
Step 4: Warm the Cream Mixture: In a microwave-safe container, pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes, just until warmed through but not boiling – you only want to remove the chill. Warming the cream helps it combine smoothly with the flour. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and ground black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps of flour.
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Whisking flour and pepper into the warmed cream mixture to create a smooth sauce base.]
Step 5: Slice the Potatoes: Using a mandolin set to the thinnest setting (about 1/8 inch thickness), carefully slice all the potatoes. Discard the first and last slices, which are often uneven. Slicing the potatoes thinly and uniformly ensures they cook evenly in the casserole. If you don’t have a mandolin, use a very sharp knife to slice them as thinly and evenly as possible.
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Slicing potatoes thinly using a mandolin for even cooking in the potato and ham casserole.]
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering the casserole in the prepared dish. Place one-third of the potato slices in the bottom, slightly overlapping them to create an even layer. Next, evenly spread one-third of the sautéed ham and onion mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese evenly over the ham and onions. Before each addition, whisk the cream mixture again to ensure it’s smooth, then pour one-third of the cream mixture over the cheese layer.
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Layering cheese and the creamy sauce mixture over potatoes and ham in the casserole dish, building the layers of flavor.]
Step 7: Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process two more times, using the remaining potatoes, ham and onion mixture, cheese, and cream sauce. Finish with a final layer of the cream sauce over the top layer of cheese.
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Adding additional layers to the casserole to create a rich and flavorful potato and ham bake.]
Step 8: Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Covering it helps the potatoes cook through evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
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A freshly baked and bubbly Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, golden brown and ready to serve.]
Step 9: Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in the perfect texture and taste. Then, cut the Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole into squares and serve hot. Enjoy! (See the recipe card below for complete written instructions, ingredient measurements, cooking times, and helpful tips.)
Pro Tips for the Best Potato and Ham Casserole
To ensure your Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole is a resounding success, consider these pro tips:
- Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always use freshly shredded cheese, especially for melting. Pre-shredded cheeses contain cellulose and other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly, sometimes resulting in a gritty texture. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and provides the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Mandolin for Even Slices: Using a mandolin for slicing the potatoes is highly recommended. It ensures that the potato slices are uniformly thin, which is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired tender texture throughout the casserole. Consistent thickness means no crunchy or undercooked potatoes.
- Prevent Potato Discoloration: If you need to slice the potatoes in advance, prevent them from browning (oxidation) by placing the slices immediately in a bowl of cold water. Just before layering them in the casserole, make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the sauce watery.
- Parboil for Speed (Optional): If you’re pressed for time and want to shorten the baking time, you can parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them. Drain them well and let them cool slightly before assembling the casserole. This pre-cooking step reduces the oven time needed for the potatoes to become tender.
- Rest is Essential: Resist the temptation to serve the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes is crucial. During this resting time, the sauce will thicken up beautifully, and the flavors will meld together, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the casserole.
FAQs About Pioneer Woman Potato and Ham Casserole
Let’s address some common questions to help you perfect your Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole.
Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?
Scalloped potatoes, or in this case, potato and ham casserole, will cook faster and more evenly when initially covered with aluminum foil. The foil traps heat and steam, which helps the potatoes cook through more quickly and become tender. After the potatoes are tender (usually after about 45 minutes of baking), remove the foil to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbly. Baking uncovered for the last 20-25 minutes achieves that perfect slightly crispy top and ensures the cheese is melted and browned.
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Close-up showing the creamy texture of the inside of the potato and ham casserole.]
How Do You Know When Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?
You’ll know your potato and ham casserole is perfectly cooked when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The sauce should be thick, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top should be completely melted and nicely browned. If the top is browning too quickly before the potatoes are tender, you can loosely tent it with foil to prevent over-browning while the potatoes finish cooking.
Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time for Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can slice potatoes ahead of time to save preparation time. However, raw potatoes tend to oxidize and turn gray or brown when exposed to air. To prevent this discoloration, immediately after slicing, submerge the potato slices in a bowl of cold water. Store them submerged in water in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Before using, drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because too much water can make the casserole sauce thin or even curdle during baking.
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Side view of the cheesy layers within the cooked potato and ham casserole, highlighting the gooey texture.]
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead Instructions:
One of the great conveniences of casseroles like this Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole is that you can assemble it ahead of time. You can prepare the entire casserole, up to the point of baking, 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, you might need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a cold temperature. It’s best to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven to ensure even cooking.
Freezing Instructions:
Freezing this potato and ham casserole is also a great option for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Allow the cooked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly against the surface of the casserole to prevent freezer burn. Then, wrap it again in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually around 30-45 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly throughout. You may need to add a bit of extra cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up.
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A slice of potato and ham casserole served with a fresh side salad, suggesting a complete meal.]
Slow Cooker Option for Potato and Ham Casserole
For a slightly different approach, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Note that the texture and sauce consistency will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
To make a slow cooker version, omit the flour and reduce the half-and-half to 1 cup (omitting it altogether is not recommended as some liquid is needed for slow cooking). Layer the sliced potatoes, sautéed ham and onions, and cheese in the slow cooker as instructed in the oven-baked recipe. Pour the heavy cream (1 1/2 cups) over the layers. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner in the slow cooker version as there’s no flour to thicken it, but it will still be a flavorful and comforting dish.
Stay Connected!
We’d love to hear how your Pioneer Woman potato and ham casserole turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
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Pinterest pin image for the potato and ham casserole recipe, inviting readers to save it for later.]
More Holiday Recipe Inspiration
If you enjoyed this potato and ham casserole Pioneer Woman recipe, be sure to explore more of our popular holiday recipes! These dishes are all excellent to serve alongside scalloped potatoes and ham for a complete and festive meal:
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Pioneer Woman Potato and Ham Casserole Recipe Card
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 9×13 inch 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 heated through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer ham and onions to a bowl; set aside.
- Pour 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 flour and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Using a mandolin, set to the thinnest setting (1/8 inch thickness) and slice all potatoes (discarding first and end slices).
- Layer 1/3 of potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping. Spread 1/3 of ham and onions over potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of cheese over ham. Whisk cream mixture before each addition, then spread 1/3 over casserole.
- Repeat step 6 two more times, ending with cream sauce over cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 minutes more, until bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Notes
*Use freshly grated cheese for best results. Pre-grated cheeses have anti-caking agents that can make the texture gritty after melting.
Speed Tip: To reduce oven time, boil potato slices for 5 minutes, drain, and cool before assembling.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 615, Total Fat: 39.5g, Carbohydrates: 41g, Fiber: 2.7g, Sugar: 5.5g, Protein: 26.9g
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary.
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We hope you enjoy making and savoring this comforting and delicious ham and potato casserole as much as we do. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy, cheesy sauce is destined to become a beloved dish in your household. Happy cooking!
