Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

This crockpot scalloped potatoes and ham dish is pure comfort in every bite. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese are enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce that simmers low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a hug on a plate.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The beauty of this slow cooker version is that it frees up your oven and lets you prepare a hearty main or side dish with minimal effort. Just layer, pour, and let the crockpot work its magic while you go about your day. Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4–5 medium potatoes)
2 cups diced cooked ham
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot.
Add half the diced ham, half the chopped onion, and half the shredded cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and ham in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6–8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes–8 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham – The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, soul-warming meals, few dishes rival the comforting charm of scalloped potatoes layered with savory ham and gooey melted cheese. This Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of a classic baked casserole with the ease and convenience of slow cooking. With tender potato slices, smoky diced ham, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a side for holiday feasts.

The magic of this recipe lies not only in its flavors but also in its practicality. Using a crockpot means you can assemble the ingredients in the morning and return later to a fully cooked, ready-to-serve meal. This hands-off cooking method is ideal for busy households, freeing you from standing over the stove or worrying about oven timing while juggling other tasks.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Layers of Flavor:
Every bite delivers a harmonious mix of textures and tastes, from the buttery potatoes to the sharp cheddar cheese and the savory, salty ham. The slow cooking process allows the sauce to seep into each potato slice, making them tender and flavorful.

2. Slow Cooker Convenience:
While traditional scalloped potatoes require baking in the oven, this version frees up that precious appliance, especially useful during holidays when oven space is scarce. Plus, there’s no need to constantly check for doneness; the crockpot takes care of everything.

3. Balanced Creaminess:
The combination of condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and butter creates a velvety sauce that coats the potatoes without being overly heavy. This balance ensures you get a rich taste without the dish feeling greasy.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. Russets provide a fluffy, soft texture after cooking, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better and have a naturally buttery flavor.
Ham: Diced cooked ham gives the dish its savory punch. This is an excellent way to use up leftover holiday ham, but you can also buy pre-diced ham from the deli section.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers a tangy contrast to the creaminess of the sauce. You can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The condensed soup adds depth and creaminess, blending seamlessly with milk and butter to create the signature scalloped potato sauce. If you prefer a homemade approach, you can make your own mushroom sauce from scratch.
Milk & Butter: These enhance the sauce’s smooth texture and flavor richness. Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but 2% milk will work if you want it slightly lighter.
Onion & Garlic Powder: Fresh onions add sweetness and a bit of texture, while garlic powder ensures even distribution of savory notes.
Herbs & Seasonings: Dried thyme pairs perfectly with potatoes and ham. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remember that ham is naturally salty, so you may need less than you think.
Fresh Parsley: A final garnish of parsley adds freshness and color, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Cooking Insights and Tips

Slice Evenly: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, make sure the potato slices are uniform. Even slices ensure all potatoes cook at the same rate.
Layer Thoughtfully: Start with potatoes at the base to create a sturdy foundation, then alternate layers with ham, onion, and cheese. This layering ensures the creamy sauce distributes evenly during cooking.
Avoid Over-Salting: Since ham and cheese are already salty, season lightly at first. You can always adjust before serving.
Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on the low setting allows the potatoes to become tender without breaking apart, while giving flavors time to meld.
Let it Rest: Once cooking is complete, allow the dish to rest in the crockpot (lid off) for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add a layer of mozzarella or Gruyère for a gooey, stringy texture.
Bacon Boost: Swap out part of the ham for crispy bacon bits for a smoky punch.
Veggie Version: Skip the ham and add thin slices of zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers between potato layers.
Lighter Sauce: Use cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute part of the milk with chicken broth to cut richness.
Herb Infusion: Add rosemary, sage, or chives for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with sliced jalapeños before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or as a hearty side. Here are a few serving ideas:

As a Main Dish: Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roast chicken, turkey, or glazed ham for holiday dinners.
For Brunch: Add scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a satisfying mid-morning spread.
Potluck Star: Since it travels well and reheats easily, it’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, but note that potatoes may soften more after thawing. Wrap portions in foil or store in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Nutritional Insights

While this dish is rich and indulgent, you can make small tweaks to adjust its nutritional profile:

Use reduced-fat cheese and milk to lower fat content.
Swap cream of mushroom soup for a lighter homemade version with less sodium.
Add extra vegetables between potato layers for added fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a recipe that delivers on both flavor and convenience. With its creamy layers of potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the dinner table. The slow cooker method makes it nearly effortless, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day while a warm, hearty meal cooks itself.

Whether you serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner, a holiday side, or the star of a potluck, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your go-to collection. The combination of simplicity, versatility, and irresistible taste makes it a true comfort food classic worth making again and again.

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