Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is warm, creamy and full of comfort. This dish feels like a hug on cold nights. I love how rich it tastes, yet it is simple to make.

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe uses tender potatoes, smoked ham, cheese and a smooth creamy sauce.

You can serve it for family dinners or holidays. Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is great for leftovers too.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

I first tried this recipe on a rainy day. The kitchen smelled amazing as it baked slowly. The ham became soft and savory. The potatoes turned tender and creamy. Every bite felt cozy and joyful.

My family asked for second servings. It now lives on our regular dinner list. I love that the recipe is easy and forgiving. Simple steps, big flavor, happy smiles.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 70 mins
• Total Time: 90 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: about 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

• 5 cups thin sliced potatoes
• 2 cups cooked diced ham
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease the baking dish lightly with butter so nothing sticks during baking time.

2. Prepare the potatoes

Wash and peel potatoes. Slice them evenly and thin. Thin slices cook faster and become soft and creamy without hardness inside.

3. Cook onion and garlic

Melt butter in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic. Cook slowly until soft and fragrant, but do not brown them.

4. Make the sauce base

Sprinkle flour over cooked onions. Whisk well. Slowly add milk. Keep whisking so no lumps form inside the creamy sauce.

5. Season the sauce

Add salt, pepper and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently. It should become slightly thick and smooth, not watery anymore.

6. Layer potatoes in dish

Place half the potato slices in the baking dish. Spread them evenly so every bite has tender potato layers.

7. Add ham layer

Spread diced ham over potatoes. Try to cover most areas. This gives salty smoky flavor in every delicious forkful.

8. Add cheese layer

Sprinkle cheese on top. The cheese will melt and add rich creamy taste. It helps bind potatoes and ham together.

9. Pour sauce

Pour half of the sauce over layers. Make sure the sauce seeps down. It helps everything cook evenly and stay moist.

10. Repeat layers

Add remaining potatoes, ham, cheese and sauce. Keep layers even. More cheese on top gives golden crust after baking.

11. Cover and bake

Cover dish with foil. Bake for about 45 minutes. This helps potatoes soften without burning top too early.

12. Uncover and finish baking

Remove foil and bake 20–25 more minutes. The top should turn golden and bubbly. Check potatoes with fork for tenderness.

13. Rest before serving

Let casserole rest 10 minutes. This helps it set and slice cleanly. Hot sauce thickens slightly while resting time passes.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

• Slice potatoes thin and even
• Use good quality ham for better flavor
• Gruyere adds classic Ina style taste
• Do not rush sauce thickening
• Let dish rest before cutting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting potatoes too thick
• Skipping sauce whisking step
• Baking at too high temperature
• Using dry cheese with little melt
• Serving immediately without resting

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with crusty bread.

You can enjoy it as a main dish or side for roasted chicken or turkey. It fits perfectly on holiday tables, potlucks and cozy Sunday dinners with family and friends.

Variations You Can Try

• Add cooked bacon for smoky flavor
• Use leftover turkey instead of ham
• Try sweet potatoes for a twist
• Add broccoli or peas for veggies
• Use half cheddar and half Gruyere cheese

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for three days
• Reheat in oven for best texture
• Microwave works for quick meals
• Add splash of milk when reheating to keep creamy

Nutrition Information

• Per serving (estimate):
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Calcium: High
• Sodium: Moderate

Health Benefits

This dish provides protein from ham and dairy. Potatoes give energy and fiber, especially if skins are left on. Calcium from cheese and milk supports strong bones. It is a comfort food, best enjoyed in balanced portions with vegetables on the side.

FAQs about Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it earlier, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake later. The flavors deepen and the dish still tastes amazing.

2. Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes and ham?
Yes, you can freeze portions in airtight containers. Reheat slowly in the oven. Texture may change slightly, but flavor stays delicious and comforting.

3. What if I do not have Gruyere cheese?
You can use cheddar, Swiss or mozzarella. Gruyere gives classic flavor, but other cheeses still melt well and taste great in this recipe.

4. Can I make it without ham?
Yes. Skip the ham and add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach. It becomes a lovely vegetarian scalloped potato dish with creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is pure comfort and joy. It is simple, hearty, and full of creamy flavor.

With easy steps and basic ingredients, anyone can learn how to make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe at home. Try it soon, share it with loved ones and enjoy every warm bite.