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Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole

A thick, golden-brown slice of creamy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole on a white plate.

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Make this ultimate, creamy, and cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole. It is a classic comfort food dinner perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings, using leftover ham for a hearty bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced or shredded
  • 1 tablespoon butter, plus extra for greasing dish
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Gruyere cheese until the cheese melts into the sauce. This is your rich cheese sauce.
  6. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle half of the diced ham evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the ham and potatoes.
  8. Repeat the layers: place the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the remaining ham, and then pour the rest of the cheese sauce over everything.
  9. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes.
  11. Let the scalloped potatoes and ham rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For easy slicing, use a mandoline slicer to keep your potato slices uniform.
  • You can prepare this cheesy potato casserole holiday dish up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the total bake time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a slow cooker ham and potatoes version, layer ingredients as directed, pour sauce over, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

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