Ina Garten’s Dreamy Scalloped Potatoes And Ham Recipe Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic Ina Garten scalloped potatoes and ham recipe that promises to warm your soul.

Layers of creamy potatoes and savory ham create a mouthwatering dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Rich, golden cheese melts between tender potato slices, infusing every bite with delectable flavor.

The combination of crisp edges and silky interior makes this casserole irresistible to everyone at the table.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Home cooks will love how easily this crowd-pleasing dish comes together with minimal effort.

So grab your baking dish and get ready to savor a seriously delicious culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Swaps for Ina’s Classic Potato & Ham Dish

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Assemble the casserole up to a day before baking, refrigerate, and pop in the oven when ready to serve.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or use half-and-half instead of milk for extra richness.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, cheddar, or parmesan for a personalized flavor profile.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach between potato layers for extra nutrition and color.

Plating Ideas for a Homey Potatoes and Ham Meal

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Create a crisp side salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy potatoes and ham.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty French bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Complete the Meal with Roasted Vegetables: Add a colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to complement the hearty main dish.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the flavors of the scalloped potatoes and ham.

Reheat and Save Potatoes and Ham Without Losing Creaminess

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover scalloped potatoes and ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stays delicious for up to 2 months when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent the potatoes from becoming tough. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 432 kcal

Servings: 6

Shopping List for Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps sauté onions smoothly.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce, creating depth of flavor.
• Thyme: Brings earthy, herbal notes that complement the potatoes and ham perfectly.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a silky, luxurious texture.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base that binds all ingredients together.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall savory flavor and adds extra moisture to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates the entire flavor profile.

• Ham: Adds smoky, salty element and provides substantial protein to the dish.

• Potatoes: Serves as the main ingredient, offering creamy texture and filling substance.
• Parsley (Optional): Adds fresh, bright garnish and subtle herbaceous finish.

• Cheese: Provides golden, melty top layer with extra richness and texture.

Tools That Make Ina’s Potatoes & Ham Easy to Cook

• Large baking pan: Essential for layering and baking the scalloped potatoes and ham.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for dicing onions and slicing ham with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sauté pan: Needed for cooking onions and preparing the creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

How to Layer and Bake Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Potato Comfort Casserole

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick butter massage so nothing sticks.

• Onion Magic

Melt butter in a pan and softly dance those onions around until they turn translucent and dreamy.

• Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle thyme and flour into the pan, stirring gently to create a delicate base that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour milk slowly into the pan, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Add chicken broth and season with salt and pepper for depth.

• Layering Love

Create beautiful layers in your baking dish: first potatoes, then ham, then pour that luxurious sauce over everything. Repeat these layers like a delicious love letter.

• Baking Brilliance

Cover the dish and let it bake for about an hour. Uncover near the end to let the top turn golden and crispy.

• Resting Moment

After pulling from the oven, let the casserole rest and settle for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving easier.

Rustic Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes and ham recipe blends creamy layers of potatoes with savory ham in a comforting classic. Cheese, cream, and herbs meld together, creating a hearty dish guests will crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds (1.36 kg) white potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch thick
• 2 cups (470 ml) cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups (710 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (76 g) butter
• ⅓ cup (40 g) flour
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Onion Foundation: Sauté diced onions in melted butter over medium-low heat until translucent, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
3. Sauce Building: Dust onions with thyme and flour, stirring continuously to develop a rich, aromatic roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, creating a silky smooth sauce seasoned with salt and black pepper, briefly bringing to a gentle boil.
5. Layering Technique: Construct three alternating layers in the baking dish, carefully arranging sliced potatoes, diced ham, and creamy sauce to ensure even distribution of flavors.
6. Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
7. Final Browning: Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes until potatoes are completely cooked and the surface achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture.
8. Finishing Touch: Optional cheese can be sprinkled during the last 15 minutes of baking for enhanced richness and a luxurious finish.
9. Serving Preparation: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes to set the layers, making it easier to portion and serve.
10. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, showcasing the delectable combination of potatoes and ham.

Notes

• Layer Strategically: Distribute potatoes, ham, and sauce evenly to ensure each bite contains balanced flavors and textures.
• Potato Precision: Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven tenderness.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Resting Ritual: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and enhance overall dish stability.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg