Erin’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of ham and potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly winter nights or busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner that doesn’t require too much time or effort. With a cook time of just over an hour and total preparation time of about an hour and twenty-five minutes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, gather your ingredients, including 1/2 cup of butter, 1 onion, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1 cup of diced ham, 5 potatoes, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and cheese. These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that will surely become a family favorite.
Start by melting the butter over medium-low heat in a large deep pan. As the butter melts and begins to sizzle, add the chopped onions and cook them until they are soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma and adding depth of flavor to the dish. Next, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly until it becomes frothy and lightly golden brown, creating a roux that will serve as the base for the creamy sauce.
Now it’s time to add the liquid components to the pan, beginning with the half-and-half and milk. Pour in the half-and-half and milk gradually, about 1/2 a cup at a time, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming and ensuring a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce. Once all the liquid has been incorporated, season the sauce with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that adds a little warmth to each bite.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly as the flavors meld together. Now it’s time to add the star ingredients: the diced ham and sliced potatoes. Stir the ham into the sauce, allowing it to heat through and infuse its savory essence into every bite. Then, gently fold in the sliced potatoes, ensuring that each slice is coated in the creamy sauce, creating layers of flavor and texture in every mouthful.
Once the potatoes are evenly coated, transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to cook until tender.
After 45 minutes have elapsed, remove the foil covering from the baking dish and return it to the oven to bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the top to become golden brown and crispy while the edges bubble with gooey, melted cheese. As the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory ham fills your kitchen, you’ll know that Erin’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is nearly ready to be enjoyed.
Once the baking time is complete, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, with a serving spoon in hand, dish out generous portions of this comforting meal onto plates, marveling at the layers of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and savory ham that await. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the creamy richness of the sauce to the hearty goodness of the ham and potatoes, creating a dish that is sure to warm both body and soul on even the coldest of nights.
With its simple preparation and hearty flavors, Erin’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your household, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of this classic dish, one delicious bite at a time. 🥔🧀🍖
