Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: Your Secret Weapon for Effortless Comfort Food

Alright, listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret: you can have creamy, dreamy, utterly decadent scalloped potatoes and ham without slaving away in the kitchen all day. Yep, you heard me right. We’re talking crockpot magic, people. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a life hack. A delicious, cheesy, potato-y life hack.

Forget fussy techniques and endless stirring. This recipe is so easy, it’s practically foolproof. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to, well, actually enjoy your life. So, ditch the stress and get ready to impress with the easiest, most delicious crockpot scalloped potatoes and ham you’ve ever tasted.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Seriously, where do I even begin? This recipe is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Insanely Easy: Dump, set, and forget. Need I say more?
• Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: All the taste of traditional scalloped potatoes, but with a fraction of the work.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Weeknight dinner? Holiday side dish? Potluck superstar? This recipe does it all.
• Tender Potatoes: The slow cooker creates the most perfectly tender potatoes you’ve ever had.
• Cheesy Goodness: Enough cheese to satisfy even the most die-hard cheese lover.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste with different cheeses, meats, or spices.
• Great for meal prep: This recipe saves incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prepping a delicious dinner.

Ingredients: The Dream Team

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 2 pounds potatoes, sliced: Yukon Gold or Russet work best. Thin, even slices are the key.
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cups diced turkey ham (16 ounces): Adds a salty, savory element. Use leftover holiday ham for extra points!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses too.
• 2 10 ounce cans of cream of mushroom soup: The secret to a creamy, dreamy sauce. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season generously!

Let’s Get Cooking: The Foolproof Steps

Ready to transform these ingredients into a culinary triumph? Here’s how:

1. Prep the Potatoes: First, wash and peel the skin from the potatoes. Then, slice the potatoes into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Consistency is key for even cooking!
2. Layer It Up: Now, place the sliced potatoes into the crockpot.
3. Add the Flavor Boosters: Dice the onion then add the onion, dried thyme and the cubed turkey ham into the crockpot as well.
4. Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Now, add in the 2 cans of cream of mushroom. Mix the best way you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect because as the potatoes cook down mixing will be super easy. The recipe will look as if more need to be added to the pot but as the potatoes cook down the water from them will mix into the sauce.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Place on high for 3.5-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. I recommend high because you do need to stir once or twice during the cooking time to help the potatoes cook evenly.
6. Cheesy Finale: Once the potatoes are softened add in the cheddar cheese and mix. The cheese will melt in about 5-10 minutes. Before serving salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Devour: Get ready for some serious comfort food bliss.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Perfection

Want to take this recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my secret weapons:

• Use a Mandoline: For perfectly even potato slices, a mandoline is your best friend. It’ll save you time and ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If your crockpot is too full, the potatoes won’t cook evenly. Use a larger crockpot if needed.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps distribute the sauce and prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom.
• Cheese on Top: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the scalloped potatoes and ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Adding the ham: Make sure that you dice your ham into smaller pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is easy, here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Uneven Potato Slices: This will lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Not Enough Liquid: If the potatoes seem dry, add a splash of milk or broth.
• Overcooking: Overcooked potatoes will be mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a fork.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste and adjust as needed.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to put your own spin on this classic dish? Here are a few ideas:

• Different Cheeses: Try Gruyere, Swiss, or Gouda for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Add Veggies: Mix in some sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Use Different Meats: Swap the ham for bacon, sausage, or even leftover roasted chicken.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic: Add a clove or two of minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Masterpiece

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Let the scalloped potatoes and ham cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or even back in the crockpot. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent them from drying out.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

• Can I use milk instead of cream of mushroom soup? While the cream of mushroom soup contributes to the flavor and thickness, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk or broth and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Can I freeze scalloped potatoes and ham? Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes can become mushy.
• What kind of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes? Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking.
• Do I need to peel the potatoes? Peeling is optional. You can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Companions

These crockpot scalloped potatoes and ham are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take your meal to the next level:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm, crusty dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Apple Sauce: The sweetness of applesauce cuts through the richness of the dish.

So there you have it – the ultimate hack for ridiculously easy and delicious crockpot scalloped potatoes and ham. Now go forth and conquer your kitchen, my friend! You’ve got this. And remember, cooking should be fun, not a chore. Cheers! 🥂