This Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes And Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that combines the creamy comfort of scalloped potatoes with the savory goodness of ham. Ree Drummond’s take on this classic is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this scalloped potatoes and ham recipe stand out? It’s all about simplicity and flavor. Unlike some recipes that require a complicated roux, this one streamlines the process, making it accessible for any home cook. The creamy sauce is created effortlessly by letting the oven work its magic, thickening a mixture of half-and-half, heavy cream, and flour directly in the casserole dish.
The addition of ham elevates this dish from a simple side to a hearty main course. It’s an excellent way to use leftover holiday ham, but equally delicious with cubed ham steaks. The savory, slightly salty ham perfectly complements the richness of the potatoes and creamy cheese sauce. Whether you’re serving a large group for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, or simply craving a comforting family meal, this ham and potato casserole is sure to become a new favorite. It’s truly meat and potatoes at its finest!
Overhead view of a delicious scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, garnished and ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy scalloped potatoes and ham recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content contributes to a wonderfully creamy texture. Yukon Golds are a good substitute. Avoid waxy potatoes as they can release too much moisture.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a savory and protein-rich element. Leftover ham works perfectly, or use ham steaks for convenience.
- Onion: Sautéed onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the overall casserole.
- Butter: Used for sautéing and greasing the dish, butter adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Half-and-Half & Heavy Cream: This combination creates the luxuriously creamy sauce. Half-and-half lightens it slightly, while heavy cream ensures a velvety texture.
- Flour: A small amount of flour thickens the cream sauce as it bakes, creating the perfect consistency.
- Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds warmth and enhances the savory flavors.
- Cheese: A blend of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese offers the best of both worlds – sharp, tangy flavor and smooth, creamy melt.
[
Ingredients labeled for making pioneer woman scalloped potatoes and ham casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
[
Butter melting in a skillet before adding diced onions for scalloped potatoes and ham.
3. Sauté the Ham
Add diced ham to the skillet with the onions. Sauté until the ham is heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside the ham and onion mixture in a bowl.
[
Sautéing onions and ham in a skillet for Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham recipe.
4. Warm the Cream Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half-and-half and heavy cream. Microwave until just warmed, about 1-1.5 minutes. Whisk in flour and black pepper until smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
[
Mixing flour and pepper into warmed cream mixture for creamy scalloped potatoes and ham sauce.
5. Slice the Potatoes
Using a mandoline set to the thinnest setting, slice all the potatoes. Discard the first and last slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, slice them as thinly and evenly as possible with a sharp knife.
[
Slicing potatoes with a mandoline for a thinly sliced scalloped potatoes and ham casserole.
6. Layer the Casserole
Layer one-third of the potato slices in the buttered casserole dish, slightly overlapping. Spread one-third of the ham and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese over the ham. Whisk the cream mixture again and pour one-third over the cheese layer.
[
Layering cheese and cream sauce over potatoes and ham for scalloped potatoes casserole.
7. Repeat Layers
Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of cream sauce over the cheese.
[
Adding layers to the casserole dish to create Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham.
8. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
[
Freshly baked scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, golden brown and bubbly from the oven.
9. Rest and Serve
Let the scalloped potatoes and ham casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Cut into squares and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
To ensure your Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham are a success, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt with a gritty texture.
- Use a Mandoline for Even Slices: A mandoline ensures uniformly thin potato slices, which cook evenly and create the best texture. If slicing by hand, aim for consistent thinness.
- Prevent Potato Discoloration: If slicing potatoes ahead of time, submerge them in cold water to prevent browning due to oxidation. Dry them thoroughly before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Parboil for Faster Cooking: For a quicker cooking time, parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering. Drain and cool slightly before assembly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking is crucial. It allows the sauce to thicken and become perfectly creamy.
Serving Suggestions
While this scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is hearty enough to be a main course, it also makes a wonderful side dish, particularly for holiday meals. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham (for a doubly delicious ham feast!)
- Beef tenderloin or pot roast
- A simple green salad to balance the richness
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead: You can assemble this ham and potato casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take off the chill.
Freezing: Leftover cooked casserole can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until heated through.
Slow Cooker Option
For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Omit the flour and half-and-half. Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker as directed, using heavy cream instead of half-and-half. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Note that the sauce will be less thick than the baked version, but still delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Scalloped Potatoes Cook Faster Covered or Uncovered?
Scalloped potatoes cook faster when covered with aluminum foil initially. The foil traps steam and heat, helping the potatoes to soften quickly. Removing the foil for the last part of baking allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly.
How Do You Know When Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?
Scalloped potatoes and ham are done when the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and feel tender. The sauce should be thick and bubbly, and the cheese melted and lightly browned on top.
Can I Slice Potatoes Ahead of Time For Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can slice potatoes ahead of time. To prevent them from discoloring, submerge the slices in cold water and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Be sure to drain and thoroughly pat them dry before using.
[
Close up of the creamy texture inside a slice of scalloped potatoes and ham casserole.
[
Side view of a cheesy and creamy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole in a baking dish.
[
A slice of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham served with a fresh side salad.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1/8 of Casserole
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 615
Total Fat: 39.5g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 5.5g
Protein: 26.9g
Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Let us know how it turned out! Tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram so we can see your delicious Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes and ham creations!
Pinterest pin image for scalloped potatoes and ham recipe with title text and a photo of the casserole.Enjoy this comforting and flavorful ham and potato casserole! It’s a recipe that’s sure to be loved by everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
