Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Indulge in this delightful blend of creamy baked scalloped potatoes and savory ham, enhanced with the aromatic flavors of sautéed onions and green peppers. This comforting casserole is topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese, making it the perfect centerpiece for any family meal or festive gathering.
8
Servings
440
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
milk
3 cups (whole)
ham
3 cups (cooked and diced)
green pepper
1 large (chopped)
onion
1 large (chopped)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
potatoes
5 cups (pared and sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly until blended. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, continuously stirring to prevent sticking and browning.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency.
4
Return the saucepan to the heat and cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes bubbly, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.
5
Fold in the cooked ham, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened sauce, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the sauce mixture, folding gently to coat all the potato slices evenly.
7
Transfer the potato mixture into a lightly buttered 13X9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 1 hour, allowing the top to become golden brown and the edges to bubble.
10
Once baking is complete, allow the dish to stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the dish to set slightly, making serving easier.
Nutrition Information
22 g
Fat
44 g
Carbs
17.9 g
Protein
3.5 g
Fiber
7 g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Ham?
It is a comforting casserole dish featuring sliced potatoes and savory ham in a creamy cheese sauce with onions and green peppers.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What size baking dish is required?
A lightly buttered 13X9-inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of potatoes that have been pared and sliced.
How do I prepare the ham?
You will need 3 cups of ham that is already cooked and diced into small pieces.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, flour, salt, pepper, and whole milk.
How do I make the sauce smooth?
Slowly whisk in the milk after cooking the butter and flour mixture, and stir frequently to avoid lumps.
Which vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe includes one large chopped green pepper and one large chopped onion.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long do I cook the flour and butter mixture?
Cook the butter and flour mixture for about 1 minute while stirring continuously.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 1 hour and 30 minutes (30 minutes covered plus 1 hour uncovered).
Why should I let the dish stand after baking?
Letting the dish stand for 10 minutes helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 440 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 22 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 44 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides about 17.9 grams of protein.
Is there fiber in these scalloped potatoes?
Yes, there are 3.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 7 grams of sugar per serving.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much milk is required?
You will need 3 cups of whole milk for the creamy sauce.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
The recipe calls for a large green pepper, but you can substitute other colors if desired.
How do I combine the potatoes with the sauce?
Gently fold the sliced potatoes into the sauce mixture in a large mixing bowl to coat them evenly.
Should the milk be hot or cold when added?
The recipe suggests whisking it in slowly after removing the roux from the heat for a smooth consistency.
Does the recipe use pre-shredded cheese?
The recipe simply calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which can be pre-shredded or freshly grated.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the sauce?
No, the chopped onion is folded directly into the thickened sauce before baking.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What gives the dish its golden brown top?
Baking the dish uncovered for the final hour allows the top to become golden brown.