This Scalloped Potatoes With Ham Pioneer Woman recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ree Drummond truly hit it out of the park with this dish! It’s incredibly simple to make, yet delivers an explosion of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors thanks to the generous addition of ham.
Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and satisfying meal that brings together the best of meat and potatoes. This is the kind of classic potato casserole recipe that will quickly become a staple in your family’s meal rotation.
Searching for the ideal recipe to make the most of leftover ham or to serve a comforting, delicious meal to a large group? Look no further than this incredibly tasty and easy ham and potato casserole. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering.
This timeless casserole beautifully combines the creamy richness of scalloped potatoes with the savory goodness of tender diced ham. It’s a much-loved dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebrations, and honestly, we believe this scalloped potatoes with ham Pioneer Woman recipe is simply the best you’ll ever taste.
What truly makes this creamy, cheesy side dish stand out is its effortless simplicity. Unlike many similar recipes, you can skip the fuss of making a roux or pre-cooking the sauce. This makes it a fantastic, stress-free option, especially when you’re busy during the holidays. The luxuriously velvety sauce comes together by simply whisking half-and-half, heavy cream, flour, and a hint of black pepper. Then, let the oven work its magic to thicken it to perfection.
This Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham casserole isn’t just ideal for feeding a crowd; it’s also a brilliant way to repurpose leftover ham from your holiday feasts. The ham adds a wonderful savory, slightly salty dimension that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes. And if you don’t have leftovers, don’t worry! Ham steaks are an excellent and readily available alternative.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at your table, you absolutely must try this easy, classic ham and potato casserole. 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, be sure to check out other fantastic recipes by Ree Drummond. Her easy chocolate pie and Pioneer Woman mac and cheese are just a couple of our absolute favorites.
Overhead view of a garnished scalloped potatoes and ham casserole in a white dish.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Potatoes: For this Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham recipe, we recommend russet potatoes. Their high starch content is key to achieving that wonderfully tender and creamy texture we all crave in a scalloped potato casserole. Russets have a mild flavor, allowing them to soak up and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, making them truly ideal for this dish.
Yukon Gold potatoes are another fantastic choice and work beautifully in this recipe, offering a slightly buttery flavor. We advise against using waxy potatoes, as they tend to release too much water during baking, which can affect the creamy sauce.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is essential, bringing a rich and savory flavor to the casserole while also adding a satisfying protein element. The slightly salty notes of the ham create a perfect balance with the creamy sauce and tender potatoes. Leftover holiday ham is perfect, or you can easily use cubed ham steaks.
Onion: Sautéed onions are crucial for building depth of flavor. They add a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity that enhances the overall taste and beautifully complements both the ham and potatoes in this Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham.
Butter: Butter plays a dual role in this recipe. It’s used to sauté the onions and ham, infusing them with rich flavor, and also to grease the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding a touch of richness from the bottom up.
Half-and-Half and Heavy Cream: This combination of dairy creates the signature luscious, creamy sauce that envelops and binds the casserole ingredients together. The half-and-half provides a lighter creaminess, while the heavy cream contributes to the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish so indulgent.
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 the sauce reach the perfect consistency, ensuring a rich and satisfying creaminess throughout every bite of these Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham.
Black Pepper: A simple seasoning, black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth that elevates all the other flavors. It accentuates the savory ham, the mild potatoes, and the rich cream sauce, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
Cheese: For the cheese component, we use a blend of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. These cheeses are chosen for their complementary flavors and excellent melting properties. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy, bold flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a smooth, mild flavor and a beautifully creamy melt, creating a perfect cheesy blanket for our scalloped potatoes with ham Pioneer Woman casserole.
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Labeled ingredients for scalloped potatoes and ham, including potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream.]
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and generously butter the bottom and sides. Set it aside, ready for layering. (For detailed, printable instructions, refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.)
2. Sauté Onions: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl it around until it’s melted and coats the bottom of the pan evenly. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they just begin to soften and turn translucent. This step releases their sweetness and mellows their sharpness.
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Melting butter in a skillet and adding diced onions to sauté for scalloped potatoes and ham.]
3. Sauté Ham: Introduce the diced ham to the skillet with the onions. Continue to sauté until the ham is heated through and slightly browned. This quick sauté enhances the ham’s savory flavor, adding another layer of deliciousness to your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the ham and onion mixture to a bowl. Set aside.
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Sautéing onions and then adding cubed ham in a skillet for scalloped potatoes and ham.]
4. Warm Cream Mixture: In a microwave-safe container, pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Microwave just until the mixture is warmed through, enough to remove the chill. This helps the flour incorporate smoothly and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Adding flour and pepper to a milk mixture and whisking until smooth for scalloped potatoes and ham.]
5. Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline set to the thinnest setting, carefully slice all the potatoes. Discard the first and last slices, which are often uneven. Slicing the potatoes thinly and uniformly is crucial for even cooking and the perfect texture in your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham.
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Slicing potatoes with a mandoline over a baking tray, discarding ends for scalloped potatoes and ham.]
6. Layer Ingredients: Begin layering the casserole in the prepared dish. Place a third of the potato slices in the bottom, slightly overlapping them to create a base. Evenly spread half of the sautéed ham and onion mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the cheese blend over the ham and onions. Whisk the cream mixture again to ensure it’s smooth, then pour half of it evenly over the cheese layer.
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Layering cheese and cream mixture over potatoes and ham in a casserole dish for scalloped potatoes and ham.]
7. Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process one more time: potatoes, ham and onions, cheese, and cream sauce. For the final layer, arrange the remaining potato slices, top with the remaining cream sauce, and then finish with the last portion of cheese. This layering technique ensures that every bite of your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham is perfectly balanced with all the delicious components.
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Adding additional layers to form the ham and potato casserole before baking.]
8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Covering it with foil helps steam the potatoes and ensures they become tender. 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 and cheesy.
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A freshly baked scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, golden brown and bubbly in a dish.]
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham 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 beautifully, and the flavors to meld together perfectly. After resting, cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. Refer to the recipe card below for complete written instructions, ingredient measurements, cooking times, and helpful tips.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always use freshly shredded cheese, especially for the cheddar and Monterey Jack in this Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham recipe. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly and can result in a gritty texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully into a gooey, creamy perfection.
- Mandoline for Even Slices: A mandoline is highly recommended for slicing the potatoes. It ensures that you get consistently thin and even slices. This is vital for even cooking and achieving the desired tender texture throughout the casserole. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and aim for uniform, thin slices.
- Prevent Potato Discoloration: If you plan to slice the potatoes ahead of time, prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown by placing the slices in a bowl of cold water immediately after slicing. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potato slices before layering them in the casserole to avoid excess moisture in your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham.
- Parboil for Speed (Optional): If you’re short on time and want to reduce the baking time, you can parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes. Drain them well and let them cool slightly before layering. This step partially cooks the potatoes beforehand, cutting down on the oven time.
- Resting is Essential: Don’t skip the resting period after baking. Letting the Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham rest for 10 minutes is crucial. It allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
FAQs About Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?
Scalloped potatoes will cook faster when initially covered with aluminum foil. The foil traps heat and steam inside the casserole dish, which helps the potatoes cook through more quickly and evenly. After the potatoes are tender, removing the foil and baking uncovered for the last portion of the cooking time allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly.
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Close-up showing the creamy texture inside a slice of scalloped potatoes and ham casserole.]
How Do You Know When Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?
You’ll know your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham are perfectly cooked when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The sauce should be thick and bubbly around the edges, and the cheese topping should be melted, golden, and also bubbly. These are all visual cues that indicate the casserole is heated through and ready to enjoy.
Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time for Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can slice potatoes ahead of time for your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham. To prevent them from discoloring (turning gray or brown), immediately submerge the sliced potatoes in cold water. Store them in an airtight container filled with water in the refrigerator. Before using, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to remove excess water, which can lead to a runny sauce or prevent the sauce from thickening properly.
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Side view of a scalloped potatoes and ham casserole showing gooey cheese layers throughout.]
Make-Ahead Instructions for Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
For convenient make-ahead preparation, you can assemble the Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham casserole completely, right up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When you’re ready to bake, remember to take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking.
Freezing Instructions for Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Freezing cooked Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham is a great way to enjoy leftovers later. First, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and bubbly, usually around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and thickness.
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A slice of scalloped potatoes and ham casserole served with a fresh side salad.]
Slow Cooker Instructions for Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
For a simplified, slow cooker version of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes with ham, you can adapt the recipe. Omit the flour and the half-and-half from the recipe. Layer the sliced potatoes, sautéed ham and onions, cheese, and heavy cream in a slow cooker as instructed in the layering steps for the oven-baked version. 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 in the slow cooker version will be thinner than the oven-baked casserole, as there’s no flour to thicken it, but it will still be delicious and flavorful.
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Pinterest pin image for scalloped potatoes and ham with title text and image of the dish.
Explore More Holiday Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our collection of popular holiday recipes! Here are some dishes that are perfect to serve with scalloped potatoes and ham:
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
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 saute until they just start to turn translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ham and saute 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 mandoline, 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!
