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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Casserole Recipes

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Updated: Mar 18, 2025 ยท Published: Jan 20, 2024 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 164 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a classic old-fashioned comfort food with creamy sauce, melted cheese, and slices of tender ham and potatoesโ€”perfect for leftover ham.

๐Ÿฅ”Ingredients

Potatoes
Ham
Cheeseโ€”mild cheddar cheese or other
White Sauceโ€”butter, onion, milk, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper

scalloped potatoes and ham on a fork.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐Ÿฅ”Ingredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham-Step-by-Step Photos
  • โฒ๏ธHow long to cook scalloped potatoes and ham
  • ๐Ÿ–Ham tips and options
  • ๐Ÿฅ”Potato tips and options
  • ๐Ÿง€Cheese options
  • โœ”๏ธOther tips to make it right
  • Other Recipes you will love
  • โฌ‡๏ธHow to make scalloped potatoes and ham for two with leftovers
  • ๐Ÿ“…How can I make scalloped potatoes and ham ahead?
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing
  • โ„๏ธHow to store leftovers?
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

Featured Comment from Deanna I:
"5 stars. This recipe brought back great memories! It is actually better than my mom's."

This homemade scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is our favorite cheesy casserole, which we have made many times. This traditional recipe is perfect for using leftover ham from Easter or other holidays.

It is much easier to make from scratch than you would think, using common ingredients and easy step-by-step photo instructions. You can make a half recipe for more of a "for two" size if you want, but most people will have two servings, and the leftovers are wonderful.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham-Step-by-Step Photos

ham with potatoes and casserole ingredients.

1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐ convection or 375ยฐ conventional.

slicing pealed potatoes with a manoline.

2. Scrub, peel, and slice 4 medium russet potatoesโ€”about โ…œ inch thick.

chopped onion with knife.

3. Chop 1 small onion. Chop or slice your ham into bite-size pieces.

Cooking onion in butter.

4. Cook onion in butter until clearingโ€”about 3-4 minutes.

adding flour to butter and cooked onion.

5. Sprinkle flour into the butter/onion mixture and mix well. Continue to cook and whisk for about 2 minutes until browning some.

pouring milk into roux to make cheesy sauce.

6. Add milk slowly while continuing to whisk. Add salt and pepper. Whisk and cook until thickening wellโ€”about 3-4 minutes.

buttering the casserole dish.

7. Prep a casserole dish with a coat of butter.

pouring sauce over layer of casserole.

8. Add about โ…“ of the sliced potatoesโ€”top with โ…“ of the ham, ยฝ cup of shredded cheese, and โ…“ of the sauce. Repeat twice, but with the top layer, add the cheese last and double to a full cup.

casserole covered in foil.

9. Cover with aluminum foil.

golden brown baked scallope pototoes.

10. Bake for 90 minutes, then uncover and cook another 20-25 minutes until nicely brown and bubbling. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes before servingโ€”do not skip this step.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

โฒ๏ธHow long to cook scalloped potatoes and ham

It takes about 2 hours to get potatoes "fork tender" with no firmness to the potatoes.

Most reference recipes suggest a total cooking time of 60-70 minutes. While it is "done," the potatoes still have some firmness. Feel free to cook for the original recommended 40 minutes covered and 25 minutes uncovered if you want firmer potatoes.

๐Ÿ–Ham tips and options

This recipe is the perfect way to use leftover baked ham. If it has a sweet coating, like a honey-glazed ham, rinse the sweet coating off under running water.

Any ham that is "bite-size" will work well. The amount of ham you use is flexible. About ยพ pounds and approximately 3 cups of sliced ham are suggested for this full-size recipe, but more or less is acceptable.

Dice ham will also work, but sliced ham is more traditional.

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๐Ÿฅ”Potato tips and options

Russet potatoes are usually used and should be peeled. Thinner-skinned potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold potatoes, may be used and don't need to be peeled. This recipe needs about 1ยฝ to 2 pounds of sliced potatoes. A medium Russet potato weighs 6-8 oz.

Slice the potatoes about โ…œ inch thick but no thinner than ยผ inch thick. Use a mandolin if you have one, and please follow the manufacturer's safety instructions to prevent an unscheduled trip to the emergency room.

This recipe is for raw potatoes, not frozen potatoes, which will have an inferior texture. It is worth the little work to peel (optional) and slice.

๐Ÿง€Cheese options

The cheese choice is a personal choice. Usually, mild cheddar cheese is used, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere is also commonly used. Mixing in some mozzarella cheese will add some creaminess.

While shredded cheese will generally be fine, if you get grainy results, shred your own from a block of cheese.

โœ”๏ธOther tips to make it right

The white sauce is a classic roux recipe and is easy to make with the instructions. For more details on making a roux, see Making Gravy from Scratch.

Do not skip letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes, which allows the sauce to set up and not be runny.

Other Recipes you will love

Check out this 50-year-old recipe for Old Fashion Scalloped Potatoes. For leftover ham ideas, see What to Do With Leftover Ham.

You can try some other easy casserole recipes, such as Tuna Noodle Casserole, Crock Pot Chicken Pasta, or Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes has tender slices of potatoes in a cheesy sauce. Easy to makeโ€”the perfect side dish that is great comfort food you can make in your crock pot. Or add ham to make if you want as a main dish.

Scalloped Potatoes on white plate

โฌ‡๏ธHow to make scalloped potatoes and ham for two with leftovers

This recipe is easy to cut in half, from 8 to 4 servings, but the work doesn't decrease much. Think of it as "for two" with leftovers that will freeze well.

  1. Use a 6X9 or 8X8 pan for a half recipe.
  2. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe card from 8 to 4. That will do the math and change the ingredient amounts displayed.
  3. The amounts listed in the instructions do not adjust, so you must follow the quantities in the ingredients and not the instructions.
  4. Cooking time will be slightly shorter, so check early for fork tender.

๐Ÿ“…How can I make scalloped potatoes and ham ahead?

Assemble completely and seal airtight. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. Freezing uncooked may change the texture and is not recommended. So, thoroughly cook and cool before freezing for 1-2 months.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing

Serve ham and scalloped potatoes as a dinner entrรฉe but will also work as a side dish. Since it is a heavy starch, serve it with a fresh green salad or a simple hot vegetable like corn, beans, or peas.

โ„๏ธHow to store leftovers?

For short-term storage of leftovers, seal well and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze for 1-2 months.

Reheating in the oven is preferred. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

โ“FAQs

What's the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped is anything baked in a casserole with a sauce, which could be cheese or any other sauce. Au Gratin means โ€œwith cheese.โ€ย  So this recipe could be called scalloped potatoes, au gratin potatoes, or scalloped au gratin potatoes.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham on a fork

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

4.85 from 40 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a classic old-fashioned comfort food with creamy sauce, melted cheese, and slices of tender ham and potatoesโ€”perfect for leftover ham.
Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 25 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :8 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Video Slideshow

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 4 russet potatoesโ€”medium - peeled and sliced thin.
  • 1 onion - small chipped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour - ยผ cup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese of choice - Monterey Jack or cheddar are good choices
  • ยพ pound ham - dice or cut into small bite size bites. About 3 cups. A bit more or less is fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐ convection or 375ยฐ conventional.
    ham with potatoes and casserole ingredients-3.
  • Scrub, peel, and slice 4 medium russet potatoesโ€” 1 ยฝ to 2 pounds. Slice thinโ€”about โ…œ inch thick. A mandolin is recommended if you have one. If you use a mandolin, please follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
    slicing pealed potatoes with a manoline.
  • Chop 1 small onion. Chop or slice your ham into bite-size pieces.
    chopped onion with knife.
  • Over medium-high heat, in a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add the onion. Cook until clearingโ€”about 3-4 minutes.
    Cooking onion in butter.
  • Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons flour and mix well. Continue to cook and whisk for about 2 minutes until browning some.
    adding flour to butter and cooked onion
  • Add 3 cups of milk slowly while continuing to whisk. Whisk and cook until thickening wellโ€”about 3-4 minutes. During this part, add 1 teaspoon salt and ยฝ teaspoon black pepper.
    pouring milk into roux to make cheesy sauce.
  • Prep a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with a coat of butter.
    buttering the casserole dish.
  • Add about โ…“ of the sliced potatoesโ€”top with โ…“ of the ham, ยฝ cup of shredded cheese, and โ…“ of the sauce. Repeat twice, but with the top layer, add the cheese last and double to a full cup.
    pouring sauce over layer of casserole.
  • Cover with aluminum foil.
    casserole covered in foil.
  • Bake for 90 minutes, then uncover and cook another 20-25 minutes until nicely brown and bubbling. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes before servingโ€”do not skip this step.
    golden brown baked scallope pototoes.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips:

  1. Easy to cut in half. See the instructions in the post.
  2. Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes to save your fingers and time. But be careful with the mandolin.
  3. Use potatoes of your choice, but I like Russets.
  4. Cheese of your choice. I use mild cheddar or Monterey Jack.
  5. The cooking time is longer than some other recipes. Discussed in the post.
  6. I scale this up or down depending on how much leftover ham I have.
  7. Make ahead and refrigerate for 2 days before baking. Freezing before baking is not suggested.
  8. Leftovers are good refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for 1-2 months.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 402 kcal (20%)Carbohydrates : 28 g (9%)Protein : 22 g (44%)Fat : 22 g (34%)Saturated Fat : 12 g (60%)Cholesterol : 73 mg (24%)Sodium : 1065 mg (44%)Potassium : 757 mg (22%)Fiber : 2 g (8%)Sugar : 6 g (7%)Vitamin A : 645 IU (13%)Vitamin C : 7 mg (8%)Calcium : 337 mg (34%)Iron : 2 mg (11%)

Editor's Note: This recipe was originally published on April 12, 2014. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Molly in a flag bandan with strawberry.

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Comments

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  1. Cindy says

    December 13, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    How big are the servings?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      December 13, 2017 at 7:17 pm

      A little over a cup.

  2. Corin Oley says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    It's in the oven. Now. Smells delicious

    Reply
  3. Alicia says

    October 25, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    How would I go about this if I don't have an onion?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 25, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      If you have onion powder, use that. Amount should be on the bottle for an onion (I'm guessing about 2 teaspoons). If not, skip the onion.

  4. Tracey says

    October 16, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Oh and it's a solid 5.

    Reply
  5. Tracey says

    October 16, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Hi Dr Dan!! Been a follower of yours for quite some time not always a good commenter though. Lol. Everything I have tried of yours has been excellent imho this being one of them. Came back today to once again grab recipe and cooking times and to see how your family including those beautiful dogs were doing.

    Those that are new...try everything that your taste buds like you won't be disappointed. :))

    Just make the beef tips and gravy over noodles the other day being raised by a great-grandmother and grandmother had these often growing up.

    Tracey

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 17, 2017 at 11:46 pm

      Hi Tracey,

      I hope you saw my note on the cooking time. I have done this recipe at least 20 times and I keep increasing the cooking time. My wife does not like much firmness in the potatoes. So I now suggest what some would feel is "overcooking" but it is our taste. Actually, with the current instructions, it tastes like warmed up leftovers which here is excellent. Most casseroles taste better the second day.

      Molly and Lilly say hi and thanks.

      It is getting harder to find a "classic" like the beef tips that I don't already have.

      Thanks for the note and compliment.

      Dan

  6. Ruth Ellen says

    August 31, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    Hi, just wondering, I cook for two and like to have smaller leftovers... if I were to make this but in a 8x8 pan, how long would I cook it for?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      August 31, 2017 at 6:05 pm

      Hi Ruth,
      That will double the thickness. Most recipes do recommend just over an hour. I'm at 2 hours for softer potatoes. So using my two hours, I suspect you would be ok.
      Now I just did this recipe again last weekend. I love the top and you are cutting that down. Plus for leftovers, it will be harder to reheat.
      Dan

  7. Larry says

    January 16, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    Hi,
    This recipe is awesome. Easy to do and delicious. Had my son for dinner. He and I loved my late wife's ham and cheese scalloped ham and potatoes. This was not the same, but we both enjoyed this dish so much. Thanks so much for the great 5 star recipe.
    Larry

    Reply
  8. Vicky says

    December 29, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Wonderful recipe, it's a 5 for me. Also a big THANK YOU for including the nutritional info. I'm a diabetic and finding suitable recipes has been quite challenging.

    Reply
  9. Stan says

    November 12, 2016 at 11:45 am

    Hello Dr. Dan. With the success the other day with drumsticks and thighs I had the confidence to try another of your recipes. With leftover ham in the fridge I focussed on the scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese. It turned out great and my wife loved it. Will be repeated. Any thoughts about using salmon? Thanks
    Yes a solid 4.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Stan,

      Thanks for the note and rating. My wife thinks this is a 5 but I'm still a 4. She will buy ham just to do this. I'm more of this is for leftover.

      The salmon question. I wouldn't try it. Salmon overcooks very easy while ham can tolerate the long cooking to get the potatoes done.

    • Katja says

      September 15, 2022 at 5:59 pm

      You could do the Scalloped potatoes as a side without the ham and then cook the salmon separately (in the same oven but on different dish/rack) so they end at the same time. I think that would make a wonderful dinner.

    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      September 15, 2022 at 6:06 pm

      Hi Katja,

      Welcome to the blog. Your plan seems fine.

      Dan

  10. Chuck says

    September 09, 2016 at 10:56 am

    This is a great recipe we have it once every two weeks

    Reply
  11. Cindy says

    August 10, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    My family loves this recipe! It is a regular meal in our home. The prep is what is the most time consuming, so I've learned to do it ahead of time. It's so worth it, though..delicious comfort food!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      August 10, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      Glad it worked well for you. I tried to simplify more but don't see how. I always make a large pan for leftovers.
      Thanks for the note.
      DrDan

  12. Bernardette Enochian says

    March 29, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    This is now a family favorite! Mom, at 93, LOVES it!n't use salt or pepper, just Mrs. Dash Onion & Herb...I just put on a couple of shakes. I made 1 time with shredded cheddar and the next with a Pizza Blend I had in the fridge. Both were hits!

    Reply
  13. Susan Hamilton says

    March 17, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for my husband and I for dinner tonight. This was just fabulous. So easy to put together and so full of flavor. Thank you for this recipie.

    Reply
  14. Tami G. says

    September 20, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    5 stars
    This is a good recipe but we like more pepper. Best way is to taste the thickened sauce to see what the seasoning taste like first then you can either add more of the pepper here or add a little more to each of the layers for that extra pepper taste.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      September 20, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I agree a little light on the pepper but it is just a to taste thing. If I let my wife do the pepper, it would be 4-5 times as much...
      Thanks for the note and rating.
      DrDan

  15. Cheryl says

    June 29, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    Used a mixture of american & cheddar, it was all I had in the refrigerator... Yummy... Thank You...

    Reply
  16. Judy Uhl says

    April 13, 2014 at 8:17 am

    This will be good for left over ham from Easter!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      April 13, 2014 at 10:29 am

      That was on my mine especially in the smaller households where a ham just lasts forever. Eat some, make some potatoes and freeze the bone for later works for us.
      Dan

Newer Comments »

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