Ham and Scalloped Potatoes: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Are you craving a dish that's both comforting and delicious? Look no further than this classic ham and scalloped potatoes recipe. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a family favorite. It's also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Make sure you have these on hand before you begin:
- 1 lb ham, diced (leftover ham works perfectly!)
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for even thickness)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfectly creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Ham
Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the russet potatoes. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they will cook. Dice your ham into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover ham, shredding it is also an option.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to your scalloped potatoes.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In a large, greased 9x13 inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of ham, and then a sprinkle of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and ham in the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ham with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
SEO Keywords:
This recipe post is optimized for keywords like: ham and scalloped potatoes, scalloped potatoes recipe, ham scalloped potatoes recipe, easy scalloped potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, comfort food recipe, weeknight dinner recipe, holiday recipe. The use of these keywords throughout the content, naturally and without keyword stuffing, enhances search engine optimization.
This comprehensive recipe, along with the SEO optimization, will help you attract more readers and share this delicious classic dish with the world. Remember to share your creations on social media using relevant hashtags!
