Oh, casseroles! Is there anything more comforting? I mean, seriously. When I think of family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy Sunday night in, a casserole always comes to mind. And this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe? It’s like a warm hug in a dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally hits the spot.
Growing up, my grandma always had a casserole on the table. You just knew you were home when you smelled that familiar, cheesy goodness wafting from the kitchen. This recipe reminds me of those days, but with a super easy twist. Trust me, even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can totally nail this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles dish. It’s seriously foolproof!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Okay, let’s be real – why *should* you try this recipe? Well, besides the fact that it tastes amazing, here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy
Seriously, I’m talking minimal prep time. You can throw this together in, like, 15 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Comfort Food Classic
Ham and potatoes? It’s a match made in heaven! This casserole is warm, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel good inside.
Perfect for Family Dinners
This easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends, everyone will be asking for seconds. Trust me!
Budget-Friendly Meal
Let’s face it, we all love a good meal that doesn’t break the bank. This casserole uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Winning!
Ingredients for Your Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* everything – a little wiggle room is totally fine in my book! Just try to stick to these basics:
- 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: I like Yukon Golds, but Russets work great too! Just make sure they’re sliced pretty thin so they cook evenly.
- 2 cups Cooked ham, diced: Leftover holiday ham? Perfect! Otherwise, grab some from the deli. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced: Yellow or white onion will do the trick. Thinly sliced is key so it cooks through and adds flavor without being overpowering.
- 3 cups Milk: Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works just fine too. I haven’t tried it with non-dairy milk, so I can’t vouch for that, but let me know if you do!
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted: Real butter, please! It adds so much richness. I usually melt mine in the microwave – easy peasy.
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce, so don’t skip it!
- 1 tsp Salt: Gotta have salt! It brings out all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
How to Make Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe is super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting casserole in no time!
Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so the casserole cooks evenly. While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use butter or cooking spray – whichever you have on hand works great! Make sure you get all the corners so nothing sticks. Nobody wants a stuck casserole!
Layering the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part: layering! In a large bowl (or right in the baking dish, if you’re feeling brave!), layer half of the potatoes, ham, and onion. Then, repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. I like to make sure the potatoes are slightly overlapping so they cook evenly. Don’t worry about making it perfect – it’s a casserole, not a beauty pageant!
Making the Cream Sauce
Time for the magic sauce! In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, melted butter, flour, salt, and pepper. This is where you gotta pay attention: cook it over medium heat, stirring *constantly*, until the sauce thickens. We don’t want any lumps! It should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Baking the Casserole
Pour that creamy, dreamy sauce right over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. If the top starts to get too brown, just cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Resting Before Serving
Almost there! Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dig right in, but this resting time allows the sauce to thicken up a bit more and the flavors to meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for the Best Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Want to take your easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles game to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my go-to tips for making this dish absolutely perfect every single time.
Slicing Potatoes Evenly
Okay, this might sound a little extra, but trust me: evenly sliced potatoes make a *huge* difference. If you’ve got a mandoline, now’s the time to bust it out! It’ll give you perfectly uniform slices in seconds. If not, just do your best with a sharp knife. The key is to get them all about the same thickness so they cook evenly. No one wants crunchy potatoes in their casserole!
Preventing the Top from Burning
Oops! Sometimes the top of the casserole can get a little *too* brown before the potatoes are fully cooked. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix! Just loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will protect the top from burning while still allowing the potatoes to cook through. Crisis averted!
Adding Cheese for Extra Flavor
Okay, so this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles is already pretty amazing, but sometimes I like to kick things up a notch with a little cheese. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese, right? Cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyere is also fantastic. Just sprinkle about a cup of shredded cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking. You’ll thank me later!
Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe – awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? Or maybe you just want to use up some stuff in your fridge? No problem! Here are a few fun variations to try:
Adding Vegetables
Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Peas, carrots, or green beans would be delicious in this casserole. I usually add about a cup or two, depending on what I have on hand. Just toss them in with the potatoes and ham when you’re layering everything. Easy peasy!
Using Different Cheeses
Cheddar’s great, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses! Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack would all be amazing in this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe. I’m telling you, a cheese change can make a world of difference! Try about a cup, shredded, during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Adding Herbs and Spices
A little thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder can really elevate this dish. I love adding a pinch of dried thyme to the sauce – it adds such a warm, comforting flavor. Or, if you’re feeling garlicky, a little garlic powder is always a good idea! Just add them to the sauce when you’re whisking everything together. Don’t overdo it, though – a little goes a long way!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Alright, you’ve got this amazing easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles fresh out of the oven… now what? Well, while it’s totally delicious on its own, here are a few side dishes that’ll make it a complete meal. I’m all about keeping things simple, so these are all pretty easy to throw together!
Simple Green Salad
A light and refreshing green salad is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. Just toss some mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette – I like a lemon vinaigrette or a balsamic vinaigrette. It adds a nice bit of brightness to the meal! You could even throw in some cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies are another great option. Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would all be delicious alongside this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles. Just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly browned. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra yummy.
Crusty Bread
Okay, this might seem a little obvious, but a side of crusty bread is *always* a good idea with a casserole. Especially with a lovely cream sauce like this one! It’s perfect for soaking up all that deliciousness. I like a good baguette or sourdough. You can even toast it up with a little butter or garlic for extra flavor. Yum!
FAQ About Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Got questions about this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe? I figured you might! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my super-helpful answers. 😉
Can I make this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Just assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated all the way through. Talk about a time-saver!
Can I freeze this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles?
Yep, you sure can! But, heads up: the texture might change a bit after freezing and thawing. The potatoes can get a little softer. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What kind of ham is best for easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles?
Honestly, whatever you’ve got on hand! Leftover holiday ham is perfect, of course. But deli ham works great too. I usually go for a smoked ham for extra flavor, but any cooked ham will do the trick. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to eat. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, you could even use prosciutto! Okay, maybe not… but the thought’s there! 😂
Can I use a different type of milk for easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles?
Sure thing! Whole milk makes for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk works just fine too. I haven’t tried it with non-dairy milk myself, but I’ve heard that unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work in a pinch. Just be aware that it might affect the flavor and thickness of the sauce. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles
Okay, so you’ve got some leftover easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles (if you don’t eat it all in one sitting, that is!). Here’s how to store it and reheat it so it’s just as good as the first time. No one wants sad, dried-out leftovers, right?
Storing Leftovers
First things first: let the casserole cool down completely. I know, it’s tempting to just pop it straight into the fridge, but trust me, it’s better to let it cool first. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it from drying out and absorbing any weird fridge smells. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that, it’s probably time to toss it. Safety first, people!
Reheating Instructions
Alright, time to dig back into that deliciousness! You’ve got a couple of options for reheating your easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles. If you’re not in a hurry, the oven is always the best way to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through. If you’re short on time (we’ve all been there!), the microwave will do the trick. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it up for a minute or two, until it’s nice and hot. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it’ll get dry! A little splash of milk can help keep it moist, too. 😉
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, a quick note about nutrition info! Just keep in mind that the nutritional information for this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe can vary, depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I don’t provide precise nutritional information, so it’s best to calculate it yourself if it’s super important to you. There are lots of great online tools you can use!
Rate This Easy Ham Scalloped Potatoes Casseroles Recipe
So, what do you think? Did you love this easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles recipe as much as I do? I really hope so! If you gave it a try, I’d absolutely *love* it if you could rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps other home cooks (just like you!) decide if they want to give it a whirl. Plus, I just love hearing from you guys! Seriously, it makes my day!
And hey, if you made any fun variations, be sure to share them in the comments too! I’m always looking for new ideas. What are you waiting for? Go on, tell me what you thought – did this become your new favorite easy ham scalloped potatoes casseroles?
Print
