Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham – The Perfect Leftover Ham Recipe!
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Got leftover ham from our amazing Honey Baked Ham Recipe? Transform it into this mouthwatering scalloped potatoes with ham casserole that’ll have your family asking for seconds! This easy recipe combines tender potatoes, diced ham, and a creamy cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Why This Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe Works
After making our popular honey baked ham for the holidays, you’ll love having delicious ways to use up every bit of that flavorful meat. This scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is my family’s favorite leftover ham recipe because:
- No potato peeling required – Save time by leaving the skins on!
- One-dish meal – Everything bakes together in a 9×13 pan
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead
- Kid-approved – The creamy cheese sauce wins over picky eaters
- Budget-friendly – Stretches your leftover ham into 8 servings
What You’ll Need
This ham and potato casserole uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The star is your leftover ham (about 2 cups diced), paired with:
- 6 cups sliced potatoes (Golden or Russet work great)
- Mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness
- A simple white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth
- Italian seasoning for extra flavor
The Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin
Many people wonder what makes scalloped potatoes different from au gratin potatoes (like our Corned Beef Au Gratin). Here’s the simple answer:
Scalloped potatoes traditionally use a cream-based sauce without cheese. The potatoes are layered and baked until tender in the creamy sauce.
Au gratin potatoes always include cheese and feature that signature golden, crispy cheese crust on top.
Our scalloped potatoes with ham recipe combines the best of both – we use a creamy sauce AND add mozzarella cheese for extra deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this cheesy potato and ham bake is easier than you think:
Prep your potatoes: Clean them well (no peeling needed!) and slice about ¼ inch thick. Rinse and pat dry. Layer them into a 9×13 baking dish.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add chicken broth and milk. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once thick, stir in 1½ cups mozzarella until melted.
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Add the ham: Fold your diced leftover ham into the cheese sauce.
Assemble and bake: Pour the ham and cheese mixture over your sliced potatoes in a buttered 9×13 dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes.
Final touch: Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Slice evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or food processor for uniform potato slices that cook evenly
- Don’t skip rinsing: Rinsing the sliced potatoes removes excess starch for a better texture
- Check for doneness: Potatoes are ready when a fork easily pierces through
- Let it rest: Cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the sauce set
Make It Your Own
This versatile ham potato casserole recipe welcomes creativity:
- Add veggies: Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or roasted garlic
- If you don’t have a leftover baked ham, you can buy fully cooked boneless ham, making it perfect any time of year.
- Switch the protein: Try bacon, crumbled sausage, or leftover turkey
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne
- Go gourmet: Substitute Gruyère cheese or top with crispy fried onions
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Once cooled, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes or oven at 350°F for 15-18 minutes
- Pro tip: Add extra cheese when reheating for an even cheesier experience!
More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes
Don’t let any of that delicious honey baked ham go to waste! Check out our other favorite ways to use leftover ham:
- Ham and Bean Soup
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Cuban Sandwiches
- Split Pea and Ham Soup
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
This scalloped potatoes with ham recipe turns holiday leftovers into a meal your family will request year-round. It’s comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful ham in every bite.
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to rate this recipe using the stars below – your feedback helps other home cooks find the best recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment sharing how you customized it for your family! We love hearing about your creative twists.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Ingredients
- 6 cups potatoes approximately 3 pounds, cleaned but unpeeled. I used Golden potatoes, but you can also use Russet potatoes.
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Oil or butter a 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
- Clean the potatoes, don’t peel them.
- Slice the potatoes approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Rinse the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the potatoes into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour. Mix until you have a paste-like mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth while mixing. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
- Add the milk. Mix well. You should have a milky mixture.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Keep cooking on medium heat until the desired thickness, 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheese is all melted.
- Add in the ham. Mix well so the ham is coated with the sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes. Cover tightly with aluminium foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. You know the potatoes are ready when you can easily insert a fork into the potato slices.
- Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Cool for 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Take note, depending on how thick or thin you are cutting the potatoes will directly impact how long you need to cook them. If you want to prepare this dish ahead, I would cut the potatoes, place them in cold water in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Storage: Once the potatoes are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: In a heat-proof container in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes. I love adding extra cheese on them. You can also reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, depending on how much you are reheating. What to serve with:
Serve with a roast, grilled chicken, or steak. Have fun with the recipe:
Add some sauteed onions, mushrooms, or roasted garlic.
Substitute the ham with bacon, crumble sausage, or even leftover turkey. Make this recipe spicy: Add some finely diced jalapeno or banana peppers into the cheese sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for added heat. To make this recipe more kid-friendly, substitute the cheese with Colby Jack, use a larger size of ham, or add bacon bits. Make this recipe deluxe: Substitute the cheese for a Gruyère or add some fresh-grated Parmigiano. Add some crispy dried onions and top the potatoes with fresh chopped herbs before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
And don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you make our Honey Baked Ham Recipe – you’ll be glad you have this delicious way to use up the leftovers!
