Imagine a cozy evening with the aroma of creamy scalloped potatoes wafting through your kitchen.

This Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate.

It combines tender potatoes with savory turkey in a rich, cheesy sauce that just makes your taste buds sing.

Seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal.

The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be a great make-ahead dish.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Scalloped potatoes and turkey are a match made in heaven.

The creaminess of the potatoes combined with the savory notes of turkey makes it a standout dish.

Plus, it’s loaded with flavor thanks to the onions, garlic, and herbs.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile.

You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish.

It pairs beautifully with green salads and crusty bread.

So, if you’re ready to indulge, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

5 tablespoons (65 g) butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup (30 g) flour
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
3 lbs (1350 g) white potatoes, washed and sliced ⅛” thick
2 cups diced ham
2 cups (224 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients.

Wash and slice the white potatoes thinly—about ⅛ of an inch.

You want them thin so they cook evenly.

Dice your onion and mince the garlic.

Set everything aside for easy access.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant.

Now, sprinkle in the flour, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk it together until it forms a paste.

This is called a roux, which will help thicken your sauce.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to whisk.

Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Once thickened, stir in the heavy cream and mix until smooth.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large baking dish, start layering your ingredients.

Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of diced ham.

Pour a generous amount of the creamy sauce over this layer.

Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, making sure the last layer is the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.

This will create a beautiful golden crust as the dish bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes.

After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

This resting time allows the sauce to set a bit more.

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

And voila! You’ve made a mouthwatering dish of scalloped potatoes and turkey that’s sure to impress.

Expert Tips

For extra flavor, you can add some grated nutmeg to the sauce.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, top with breadcrumbs along with the cheese.
Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Let the dish sit after baking to make serving easier.

Variations and Customizations

Swap out turkey for cooked turkey or chicken for a different protein.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies and flavor.
Use a mix of cheeses, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is that good), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Just a little sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating can bring back that melty goodness!

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato and turkey layers and the creamy sauce ahead of time.

Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

You might need to adjust the bake time if it’s straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Scalloped Potatoes and Ham?

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What kind of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

White potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are great choices because they hold their shape well and become tender without falling apart.

Avoid using waxy potatoes for this recipe.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can simply omit the turkey and add extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.

You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.

It’ll still be creamy and delicious!

Conclusion

This scalloped potatoes and turkey recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings everyone together at the table.

It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or celebrating a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab those ingredients and get ready for a fantastic home-cooked meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe! Happy cooking!