Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham

I'm finally coming to the end of the leftover holiday ham in my freezer!  I don't know why my family insists on making one every year, none of us really eat it.  *LOL*  But, alas, my parents make it and I refuse to let it go to waste so I will transform it in as many ways as I can.  I'll be honest.  When I think of leftover ham, this is the first recipe that comes to mind.  Scalloped Potatoes.  I am pretty sure it is cheesy potato perfection.  The best part, this is not coming from a box, mix, or powder.  This is homemade and it is going to rock your family's world!  They will never guess it was made from leftovers and I KNOW they are going to love it!  

Let's get started!

Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham:

*Prep Time:  20 min.  *Cook Time: 1 hr. 10 min. *Difficulty:  Easy *Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 5 Medium Russet Potatoes, washed and sliced
• 16 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c. All Purpose Flour
• 6 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 4 c. Milk
• 3 c. Ham, cubed
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Parsley

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

I have a confession.  I am kind of a lazy cook, and I HATE peeling potatoes.  If I can avoid it I do.

So, with that being said, to begin SCRUB the potatoes. I'm talking get out that little veggie brush you never use and go to town!  Potatoes are full of dirt and often times little bugs (hello, they come from the dirt) so make sure you wash them really good.

Next, using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thinly as you can.

I personally like them at about an 1/8" thick.

Then place the slices into a bowl of water to soak and remove some of the excess starch while you make the cheese sauce.

Speaking of cheese sauce, shred your cheese...

And place a sauce pan over medium high heat to get hot.

Once the pan is hot, add the butter.

When the butter has melted, add the flour.

Whisk the flour into the butter to make a roux.  This is what makes your cheese sauce thick and creamy.

Now pour in the milk.

Whisk the milk into the butter and flour mixture and bring to a simmer.
Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.

Once the sauce is the thickness you desire, remove it from the heat and add 2/3 of the cheese.

Whisk the cheese into the sauce until it is melted and smooth.

To the cheese sauce add the onion powder,

Garlic powder,

Parsley,

Salt,

And pepper.
Whisk again until blended and smooth.  Taste for seasoning and make any adjustments you desire.

Now take a moment and grease your baking dish.
I like to use the wrapper from my butter, but you can use cooking spray, canola oil, whatever.

Now place a single, overlapping, layer of potatoes on the bottom of the dish.

Then sprinkle some ham.
I obviously used leftover ham here, but you can use ham steak diced up, or omit it all together.

Now pour a little of the cheese sauce over the ham and potatoes.

Continue this process until you have used all the sauce.

Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Spray a little cooking spray on one side of some foil.

And cover your baking dish.  This will help keep the foil from sticking to the cheese.
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet.  This way if there is any over boil it won't drip on the bottom of your oven.

Let the potatoes cook for 40 minutes covered.

Then remove the foil and allow it to cook for 30 more minutes uncovered to get nice and golden brown.

And there you have it!

You can serve this up with a nice salad and some yummy bread and you have a complete meal!

Look at that plate!  THAT is cheesy potato perfection!  Y-U-M!  This recipe is PERFECT for these cold nights we have been having and use things you already have on hand.  So get in the kitchen and give these Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham a try TONIGHT!  You won't regret it.

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~

Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham:

*Prep Time:  20 min.  *Cook Time: 1 hr. 10 min. *Difficulty:  Easy *Servings: 8

Printable Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 5 Medium Russet Potatoes, washed and sliced
• 16 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c. All Purpose Flour
• 6 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 4 c. Milk
• 3 c. Ham, cubed
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Scrub the potatoes. 
3. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the potatoes.
4. Place the slices into a bowl of water to soak and remove some of the excess starch.
5. Place a sauce pan over medium high heat to get hot.
6. Once the pan is hot, add the butter.
7. When the butter has melted, add the flour.
8. Whisk the flour into the butter to make a roux.
9. Add the milk to the roux and whisk until smooth. 
10. Bring to a simmer and let thicken. 
11. Once thick, remove from heat and add 2/3 of the cheese. 
12. Whisk until smooth.  
13. To the cheese sauce add the onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. 
14. Whisk until smooth and taste for seasoning.  Make any adjustments you feel it needs.  
15. Grease your baking dish and place a single, overlapping, layer of potatoes on the bottom of the dish.  
16. Sprinkle  a little of the ham and pour a little of the cheese sauce over it.  
17. Continue this layer process until all the ingredients are used.  
18. Cover with foil.*
19. Place in the oven for 40 minutes.*
20. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
21. Serve and enjoy!

*Spray with cooking spray to keep from sticking o the cheese.

*Place the baking dish on a baking sheet in case of over boil.