Spicy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Bake
This vibrant twist on the classic scalloped potatoes and ham showcases a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds. Inspired by my Ukrainian husband's childhood favorite, I’ve infused traditional flavors with a mix of spicy peppers, aromatic cheeses, and a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you're serving it for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of perfectly cooked potatoes, savory ham, and a zesty sauce creates a hearty meal that is anything but ordinary. Enjoy the comforting warmth and depth of flavor in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon
Ancho Chile Powder
1 teaspoon (dried)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Whole Milk
3 cups
Dry White Wine
1/2 cup
Cooked Ham
3 cups (cubed)
Red Bell Pepper
1/2 large (chopped)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Jalapeño
1 (seeded and minced)
Chopped Green Chiles
1 (4 ounce) can
Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Romano Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Potatoes
5 cups (pared and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, dried ancho chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring with a wooden spoon.
3
Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Return the saucepan to moderate heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
5
Once thickened, pour in the dry white wine and stir until the mixture thickens again, then remove from heat.
6
Fold in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and canned green chilies into the sauce. Add the cubed ham and cheeses, mixing well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
7
In a large bowl, place the sliced potatoes. Pour the creamy ham and cheese mixture over the potatoes and stir gently until they are evenly coated.
8
Transfer the mixture into a greased 13x9 inch glass baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Bake?
It is a vibrant twist on classic scalloped potatoes and ham, featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce with a spicy kick of peppers and aromatic spices.
What type of potatoes should be used?
While the recipe doesn't specify a variety, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best for achieving a creamy texture when sliced 1/4 inch thick.
How thick should the potatoes be sliced?
The potatoes should be pared and sliced into rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
What makes this recipe spicy?
The heat comes from a combination of cayenne pepper, dried ancho chili powder, a minced jalapeo, and a can of chopped green chiles.
What kind of ham is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked ham that has been cubed into bite-sized pieces.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan, then stir in the flour, salt, and spices, cooking for about 1 minute to form the base.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe uses 3 cups of whole milk to create a rich and velvety sauce.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or additional milk, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with a large chopped onion, half of a large red bell pepper, and a minced jalapeo.
What cheeses are used in this dish?
This recipe uses a blend of 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 13x9 inch glass baking dish is the perfect size for this quantity of potatoes and sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) before baking the dish.
How long does this dish need to bake?
It bakes for a total of 90 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and then 60 minutes uncovered.
Why is the dish covered for the first 30 minutes?
Covering with aluminum foil helps steam the potatoes to ensure they become tender without the top browning too quickly.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Is it necessary to let the dish rest?
Yes, letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The dish is inspired by a Ukrainian childhood favorite of the creator's husband, updated with modern spicy ingredients.
Can I use a different type of chili powder?
Yes, if you don't have ancho chili powder, you can use standard chili powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe instructions indicate that the potatoes should be pared before slicing.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Gradually whisk in the whole milk after making the flour and butter roux to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can omit the jalapeo, reduce the cayenne pepper, or use fewer green chiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While pre-shredded works, freshly grated Cheddar and Romano will melt more smoothly into the sauce.
What kind of onion should I use?
One large yellow or white onion, chopped, is ideal for the savory base of the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you could add peas or mushrooms, though the recipe as written focus on peppers and onions.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What does the garlic powder add?
The garlic powder provides a subtle, aromatic savory depth to the creamy sauce without the sharp bite of fresh garlic.
Can I use a different wine?
Any dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well; avoid sweet wines.
Is this a main dish or a side?
Due to the heavy amount of ham and potatoes, it is hearty enough to serve as a main course or a very substantial side dish.