Let’s meander down the memory lane of a much-coveted, classic comfort food, Scalloped Potatoes with Ham. Born from the culinary genius of our grandmothers, this dish has earned its reputation as a comfort food staple across tables worldwide. Boasting the rich, creamy indulgence of potatoes coupled with the taste of chunky ham bits, it’s the perfect candidate for those unforgettable family dinners. Not to mention a wonderful source of Vitamin B12!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for your cheesy, ham-studded journey to heaven:
- 2 pounds of thinly sliced russet potatoes
- 1.5 pounds of ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups of sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
- 2.5 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin this culinary journey by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a deep-dish pie pan.
- Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent, then whisk in the flour, creating a delectable roux. Slowly stir in the milk, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the greased pie pan, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over half the cheese, the diced ham, and pour half the sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for an hour. Remove the foil and bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is delectably golden brown.
Cooking Time & Servings
This magnificent melange generally requires a prep time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of 1 hour 20 minutes. You will end up with 6 servings of comfort food extraordinaire!
Nutritional Information
While it’s a divine delicacy, Scalloped Potatoes with Ham also boasts some wonderful nutritional angles! Each serving provides approximately 570 calories, 30 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 32 grams of protein. This recipe also provides a healthy dose of Vitamin B12, courtesy of the ample portion of ham.
Tips and Tricks
- To add a crispy finish to your dish, broil it for a couple of minutes after baking.
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin potato slices, which cook more evenly.
- If your cheese sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Substitute the ham with bacon or cooked chicken for a different twist!
In Conclusion…
To wrap it up, Scalloped Potatoes with Ham boasts a tantalizing harmony of rich, creamy, and succulent flavors. It’s more than just a dish, it’s an art form in culinary expression. Feel free to improvise, adapt, and share your experiences, because food is a celebration best enjoyed together. We’re eager to hear about your delicious adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can skip the ham and add different veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, instead.
- What if I don’t have russet potatoes? No problem, you can use any type of starchy potatoes.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses
- Can I freeze scalloped potatoes with ham? Yes, you can freeze it for up to one month. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Does this dish have Vitamin B12? Yes, ham is a great source of Vitamin B12, making this dish healthy and delicious.
So there you have it, folks. I hope this homestyle recipe brings the old-school magic to your dinner table. Enjoy!
