There is something warm and comforting about the Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe. I make it when I want a cozy meal. This Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe feels rich, creamy, and satisfying. It is perfect for family dinners. If you love classic comfort food, you will enjoy this dish. Today, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe at home with simple steps.
Why I Love Making This Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
I first tried a version inspired by Ina Garten on a cold evening. The smell filled my kitchen. It reminded me of family dinners.
I love this dish because it is simple yet special. It uses basic ingredients but tastes rich. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with potatoes and ham. Every bite feels warm and comforting.
It is also very flexible. You can serve it as a main dish or side. It works for busy nights or holiday meals.
Equipment List
- Large baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Recipe Overview
Recipe Name: Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Course: Main Course or Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
These are the main Ingredients for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes. Keep them fresh for best results.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds. Try to keep slices even. This helps them cook at the same speed. Set them aside in a bowl.
2. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter. This keeps the potatoes from sticking during baking.
3. Make the creamy sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir well. Cook for one minute. Slowly add milk and cream while stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Add seasoning
Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir well. Taste and adjust if needed. The sauce should be creamy and flavorful.
5. Layer the ingredients
Place a layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Add some ham and onions. Pour some sauce on top. Repeat layers until everything is used.
6. Add cheese on top
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. This will create a golden crust. It also adds rich flavor.
7. Bake the dish
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest
Take the dish out of the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture
- Add mozzarella for extra cheesy flavor
- Try smoked ham for a deeper taste
- Add spinach for a healthy twist
- Use half and half instead of cream for a lighter dish
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley before serving
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Scalloped potatoes have been around for many years. The word “scalloped” means baked with cream or milk. This dish became popular in American homes during the 19th century.
Adding ham made it more filling. Over time, it became a classic comfort food. Many chefs, including Ina Garten, created their own versions.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This dish pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it with:
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Garlic bread
A light salad balances the rich flavor of the potatoes.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe works for many occasions:
- Family dinners
- Holiday meals
- Potluck gatherings
- Weekend comfort food nights
It is always a crowd favorite.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warm
- Add a little milk before reheating to keep it creamy
- Avoid freezing, as texture may change
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Health Benefits
This dish gives energy from potatoes and protein from ham. Milk and cheese provide calcium for strong bones. While it is rich, you can balance it with vegetables. Eating in moderation keeps it enjoyable and satisfying.
FAQs about Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
Can I make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to cooking time.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. They become soft and creamy. Thin slices help them cook evenly and absorb the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe without ham?
Yes, you can skip ham for a vegetarian version. Add mushrooms or spinach instead. It still tastes rich and delicious.
How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
The potatoes should be soft when pierced with a fork. The top should be golden. The sauce should bubble around the edges.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, you can use Gruyere or mozzarella. Each cheese gives a different flavor. Choose what you like best.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is simple, cozy, and full of flavor. It brings comfort to any table. I love making it for family meals. It always feels special. Try it once, and it may become your favorite too. Cooking at home can be joyful, and this recipe proves it.
Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- Potatoes – 4 cups, thinly sliced
- Cooked ham – 2 cups, diced
- Whole milk – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes carefully. Slice them into thin, even rounds using a sharp knife. Keeping slices even helps them cook at the same speed. Place them aside in a bowl.
Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter so nothing sticks. This step makes serving easier and helps the potatoes cook evenly in the oven.
Make the creamy sauce
- Place a saucepan on medium heat and melt the butter. Add flour and stir well to form a smooth base. Cook for one minute, then slowly add milk and cream while stirring constantly.
Add seasoning
- Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the sauce. Stir gently until everything blends well. Let the sauce cook until it becomes thick, smooth, and rich in texture.
Layer the ingredients
- Start layering by placing potatoes in the baking dish. Add some diced ham and sliced onions on top. Pour a portion of sauce over it. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
Add cheese on top
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. This will melt during baking and create a golden, slightly crispy topping that adds extra flavor to the dish.
Bake the dish
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 20 more minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let it rest
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes slicing and serving much easier while keeping the layers intact.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best creamy texture
- Do not rush the sauce, let it thicken slowly
- Add extra cheese for a richer flavor
- Serve with a fresh salad to balance richness
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk
