Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: A Heartfelt Comfort Food
As the sun sets and the warm glow of the kitchen light flickers on, the comforting aroma of baked Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. This dish is more than just food; it’s an invitation to gather, to reminisce, and to savor every delicious bite together. Imagine creamy layers of potatoes, rich with the nutty flavor of Parmesan, complemented by succulent pieces of ham, each spoonful stirring up memories of cherished family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This delightful homemade recipe is not only indulgent and comforting, but it also offers practical benefits that make it a cherished part of any dinner table.
- Quick Family Meal: Ready in just over an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights but feels fancy enough for special occasions.
- Brings Families Together: There’s something magical about sharing a bubbling casserole of cheesy goodness that unites hearts and creates lasting memories.
- Cozy Favorite: It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth, making it a beloved staple during chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
- Endless Variations: Customize it to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs, making it adaptable for anyone at the table.
Ingredients with Notes
To make these scrumptious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes: Freshly peeled and thinly sliced for a tender, creamy texture.
- 2 cups diced ham: Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully here or any cooked ham of your choice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a rich creaminess; for a healthier option, you can use whole milk or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that creates that wonderful cheesy crust; feel free to use a mix of cheeses for a flavor twist.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Freshly minced for depth; a great aromatic base to enhance the potato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season and bring out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle kick.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For greasing the dish and adding a lovely richness (olive oil can be used for a lighter alternative).
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
While the cook time may seem a bit lengthy, every second is worth it when you pull that bubbling, golden dish out of the oven, revealing creamy potatoes and a crisp cheese topping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and perfectly.
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Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This will help your Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham come out easily and prevent sticking.
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Layer Your Ingredients: Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of diced ham, a bit of minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with the potatoes on top.
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Combine Cream and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well blended. Pour this creamy mixture over the layered potatoes.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously on top, ensuring a crusty, indulgent finish.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is beautifully golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Swaps: Consider using lower-fat cheese or substituting a portion of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Seasonal Twist: Add in seasonal vegetables like sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms to enhance the dish and add nutritional value.
- Flavor Upgrades: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch that complements the ham beautifully.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham beside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a perfect weeknight dinner. Add a glass of your favorite white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade to elevate the experience. For festive occasions, this dish shines alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham, filling your home with laughter and warmth as family and friends gather around the table.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though we can’t guarantee that!), let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring it retains its creamy texture.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy nature and ability to absorb the cream beautifully.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure to slice your potatoes uniformly for even cooking—aim for about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the ham for another protein? Yes, cooked chicken or even sautéed vegetables work as wonderful substitutes!
- Is this dish suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze assembled but uncooked layers. Just bake it from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- What sides pair well with this dish? A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli complements the richness perfectly!
Conclusion
There you have it—my cherished recipe for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, a heartwarming dish that’s sure to grace your family table for years to come. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and let it add warmth and comfort to your gatherings. No meal feels complete without it, and I can assure you that each bite is filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Happy cooking!
Contents
Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large large russet potatoes Freshly peeled and thinly sliced for a tender, creamy texture.
- 2 cups diced ham Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully or any cooked ham of your choice.
- 1 cup heavy cream This adds a rich creaminess; for a healthier option, you can use whole milk or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese The star ingredient for a wonderful cheesy crust; feel free to use a mix of cheeses for a flavor twist.
- 2 cloves of garlic Freshly minced for depth; a great aromatic base to enhance potato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt To season and bring out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For a gentle kick.
- 2 tablespoons butter For greasing the dish; olive oil can be used for a lighter alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Layering
- Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of diced ham, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with potatoes on top.
Mixing Cream and Cheese
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the layered potatoes.
Final Touches
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Serving
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven.