Mohamed Shili This hearty Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is prepared using russet potatoes, baked ham, butter, onions, and Cheddar cheese. This comforting scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is a perfect dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 12 ounces 1/4-inch sliced baked ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
How To Make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats, butter a large baking dish, ensuring the entire inside is lightly coated.
- Prepare the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook the mixture for 1 minute, constantly stirring to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce: Take the saucepan off the heat and slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps forming. Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, usually within a few minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Once your white sauce has thickened to your liking, season it with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of your potatoes and ham later in the recipe.
- Cook the Onions: In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, allowing it to fully coat the bottom of the pan. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and tender.
- Start Layering the Dish: Spread one-third of your prepared white sauce evenly at the bottom of your buttered baking dish. Arrange half of your sliced potatoes on top of the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed to form a solid layer.
- Continue Layering: Next, layer half of the sautéed onions over the potatoes, followed by half of the ham slices, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Pour another layer of white sauce over these ingredients, and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Once all the layers are complete, place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The scalloped potatoes and ham should be golden brown, with the cheese bubbly and the potatoes tender when you pierce them with a fork.
Recipe Tips
- Add some fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped thyme or rosemary over the top before baking to enhance the flavor of the potatoes and ham with a subtle earthy taste.
- Use a mandoline for slicing: For even and thin potato slices, use a mandoline slicer. This ensures uniform cooking and helps achieve a tender and creamy texture throughout.
- Switch up the cheese: Try using a blend of Cheddar and Gruyère for a more complex flavor. The Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty richness to the dish.
- Parboil the potatoes: Boil the sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before layering to reduce the baking time and guarantee soft, fully-cooked potatoes every time.
What To Serve With Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
Serve your hearty scalloped potatoes and ham with roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus with lemon zest, a fresh arugula salad with goat cheese, caramelized carrots, or balsamic-glazed mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
You can also pair it with a beet and fennel salad, or roasted cauliflower steaks to add a bit of creativity to your meal and make it more vibrant.
How To Store Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
To Refrigerate: Store leftover scalloped potatoes and ham in an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
To Freeze: You can freeze scalloped potatoes and ham by transferring it to a freezer-safe container and storing them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it until warm.
How To Reheat Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the scalloped potatoes and ham with aluminum foil, and bake for 20–25 minutes. The foil will help retain moisture while reheating to ensure the dish doesn’t dry out.
In The Microwave: Place a portion of the scalloped potatoes and ham in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat for 2–3 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place a portion of the dish in the basket. Heat for about 5–7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it is heated evenly and doesn’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes. Yukon golds add a buttery texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better after cooking.
Can I substitute the ham with another meat?
Absolutely! You can use cooked bacon, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein option that still blends well with the flavors.
Can I make scalloped potatoes and ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it uncooked. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.
Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:
- Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Ina Garten Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
Description
This hearty Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is prepared using russet potatoes, baked ham, butter, onions, and Cheddar cheese. This comforting scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is a perfect dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham Ingredients
How To Make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats, butter a large baking dish, ensuring the entire inside is lightly coated.
- Prepare the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook the mixture for 1 minute, constantly stirring to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce: Take the saucepan off the heat and slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps forming. Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, usually within a few minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Once your white sauce has thickened to your liking, season it with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of your potatoes and ham later in the recipe.
- Cook the Onions: In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, allowing it to fully coat the bottom of the pan. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and tender.
- Start Layering the Dish: Spread one-third of your prepared white sauce evenly at the bottom of your buttered baking dish. Arrange half of your sliced potatoes on top of the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed to form a solid layer.
- Continue Layering: Next, layer half of the sautéed onions over the potatoes, followed by half of the ham slices, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Pour another layer of white sauce over these ingredients, and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Once all the layers are complete, place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The scalloped potatoes and ham should be golden brown, with the cheese bubbly and the potatoes tender when you pierce them with a fork.
