Transform your mealtime with the ultimate comfort food: Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham. This incredibly cheesy, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish is a game-changer, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule or hosting during the holidays. Forget about oven space woes – your slow cooker handles the heavy lifting, delivering a perfect bowl of warmth that everyone will adore. While our Crockpot ham and potatoes recipe is fantastic, this version takes the cheesiness to a whole new level, making it a beloved year-round staple for dinner or a special occasion.
Why Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is Your New Go-To
Are you perpetually searching for that ideal creamy side dish for holiday gatherings, or a clever way to utilize leftover ham after a festive feast? Look no further! We’ve perfected a recipe that not only tastes incredible but also offers unparalleled convenience, keeping your delicious creation warm and ready for guests without monopolizing your oven. This recipe proudly stands as one of our favorite easy crockpot recipes, marrying simplicity with gourmet flavor.
While you can certainly prepare these scalloped potatoes without meat for a delightful vegetarian option, incorporating leftover ham elevates the dish significantly. After holiday celebrations like Christmas or Easter, transforming that succulent leftover ham into a savory addition to creamy potatoes is a culinary win. The ham infuses the potatoes with a rich, smoky, and salty depth that makes the dish hearty enough to be considered a complete meal on its own the next day. It’s a brilliant way to extend the life of your holiday feast and enjoy its flavors in a brand new context.
Unleashing the Power of Cheese and Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to cheese. You can truly load these potatoes au gratin without cream (or with, depending on your preference for a richer sauce) with an abundance of your favorite cheeses. For optimal flavor and texture, we highly recommend using a variety of cheeses. A sharp cheddar for tang, Monterey Jack for melty goodness, or even a Mexican blend for an extra layer of zest can create a complex and irresistible profile. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and what you have readily available in your fridge. For those with dietary restrictions, fear not! Dairy-free shredded cheeses, such as those from the Daiya brand, work wonderfully to create an equally delicious and creamy dairy-free version.
Beyond the customizable ingredients, the slow cooker method is a lifesaver during hectic times. Imagine eliminating one entire dish from your oven’s precious real estate during holiday meal prep! With this recipe, you simply prep your thinly sliced potatoes, layer them with the creamy, cheesy ham mixture, and let your slow cooker work its magic. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” marvel, allowing you to focus on other tasks until everyone is ready to gather around the table. There’s nothing worse than meticulously planning a meal only to find yourself short on cooking space or struggling to keep everything warm simultaneously. The trusty slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot for russet potatoes in a pinch, becomes your best friend in these situations, ensuring your scalloped potatoes are perfectly cooked and piping hot when it’s time to serve.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Crafting the perfect slow cooker scalloped potatoes starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for that ultimate creamy, cheesy, and savory experience.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the top choice for this dish due to their high starch content, which helps create that wonderfully creamy texture we all crave. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good secondary option if russets aren’t available, offering a slightly waxier texture but still delicious. Uniformly thin slices are key for even cooking.
- Cheese: A blend of cheeses delivers the best flavor. Sharp cheddar provides a delightful tang and richness, while Monterey Jack offers excellent meltability and a milder taste. Feel free to experiment with Gruyere for a nutty depth or a Mexican blend for a hint of spice. Always shred your own cheese for superior melt and texture, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that often contain anti-caking agents.
- Onion: Finely diced yellow or white onion adds an aromatic base and subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham and creamy potatoes beautifully. If you’re not an onion fan, you can omit it, but it does add a depth of flavor.
- Cream of Potato Soup: A canned, condensed cream of potato soup (like Campbell’s) forms the foundation of our rich and creamy sauce. It simplifies the recipe significantly while ensuring a consistently smooth and flavorful base. Alternatives like cream of mushroom or cream of celery can also be used if potato soup isn’t on hand.
- Garlic Powder: While optional, a touch of garlic powder enhances the savory notes of the dish, adding an extra layer of comforting flavor without being overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Season generously in the pot, and always have extra on hand for individual servings.
- Diced Ham: This is where holiday leftovers shine! Pre-cooked diced ham adds a wonderful salty, smoky flavor and turns the side dish into a more substantial, meal-worthy casserole. Any type of cooked ham will work, from honey-glazed to smoked.
- Green Onions: A fresh garnish of diced green onions adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh oniony bite, providing a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy potatoes.
- Water: Just a bit of water helps create steam in the slow cooker, ensuring the potatoes cook through perfectly and the sauce maintains its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
For the creamiest and most classic scalloped potatoes, russet potatoes are highly recommended due to their high starch content, which helps thicken the sauce as they cook. Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice, offering a slightly more buttery flavor and a tender, creamy texture. Red potatoes tend to hold their shape more, making them better for dishes where you want firmer potato chunks, like potato salads or soups, but they can still be used if you prefer a less “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.
While preferences vary, classic choices include sharp or mild cheddar cheese for its robust flavor and good melting qualities. For a richer, smoother sauce, Monterey Jack or a blend like Colby-Jack works wonderfully. To add a unique twist, consider a Mexican blend for extra zest, or a touch of smoked gouda for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor. A small amount of pepper Jack can introduce a subtle spicy kick. The key is to use a good quality hard or semi-hard cheese, freshly shredded for the best results.
No, absolutely not! One of the greatest advantages of making scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker is that there’s no need to pre-cook the potatoes. The slow, gentle heat of the crockpot cooks the thinly sliced raw potatoes perfectly, infusing them with the creamy sauce and cheese as they become tender. The most important tip for success is to ensure your potato slices are uniform in thickness – whether you’re slicing them by hand or with a mandoline – so they all cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
Yes, you can! To prepare ahead, slice your potatoes and mix your sauce ingredients (excluding the ham if you’re worried about it sitting too long). Store the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning, and keep the sauce mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, drain the potatoes, assemble the dish in your slow cooker, add the ham, and proceed with the cooking instructions. This makes holiday meal prep incredibly efficient.
For this recipe, which yields 8 servings and uses 3 lbs of potatoes, a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal. This size allows for proper layering of ingredients and ensures even heat distribution, preventing overcrowding and promoting thorough cooking. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to halve the recipe to prevent overflow.
Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Scalloped Potatoes
This slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous variations and substitutions to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Making it a Main Dish or Vegetarian Option
You can easily transform this comforting side into a hearty main course by increasing the amount of pre-cooked meat, such as diced ham, or adding other cooked proteins like shredded chicken or crumbled sausage. For a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the ham entirely. The creamy potatoes and cheese are satisfying enough on their own, or you can add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Dairy-Free Delights
For those needing lactose-free dishes, creating Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes is entirely possible and tastes remarkably close to the traditional version. Use dairy-free shredded cheeses (like Daiya brand), and for the creamy soup base, opt for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a simple dairy-free béchamel sauce using plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. This ensures everyone can enjoy a bowl of this comforting dish.
Convenience and Flavor Swaps
- Pre-shredded Cheese: While freshly shredded cheese melts better, pre-shredded varieties in a bag are a lifesaver on busy days. Just be aware they might contain anti-caking agents that can slightly affect the melt.
- Onion Alternatives: If fresh onion isn’t your favorite, you can eliminate it or substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of onion powder for a milder flavor.
- Cream Soup Substitutions: If cream of potato soup is unavailable, homemade cream of mushroom soup or canned cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute, altering the flavor profile slightly but still delivering a creamy base.
- Added Herbs and Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika, dried thyme, or a bay leaf can add additional layers of flavor to the sauce. Fresh parsley or chives stirred in at the end provide a fresh, herbaceous note.
- A Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, a dash of cayenne pepper or a few shakes of hot sauce can add a pleasant kick.
If you’re serving a crowd and have multiple slow cookers, consider offering a choice! You could make these delicious scalloped potatoes with ham in one, and a healthier alternative like slow cooker mashed potatoes in another. The mashed potato option can be made lighter by using low-fat milk and a touch of butter instead of heavy cream sauce.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe
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Equipment
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1 slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch)
- 1 cup water
- 1 small yellow or white onion, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild, your preference)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (perfect for leftover ham)
- 1 can condensed cream of potato soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 whole green onions, diced (for garnish)
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Instructions
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Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup of water over the potato layer.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the diced onions, shredded cheese, diced ham, condensed cream of potato soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water and mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Evenly spread the prepared cheese, ham, and soup mixture over the layer of potatoes in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
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Once cooked, serve hot and garnish with fresh diced green onions for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 131kcal,
Carbohydrates: 6g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 8g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Cholesterol: 27mg,
Sodium: 824mg,
Potassium: 137mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 198IU,
Vitamin C: 2mg,
Calcium: 114mg,
Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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How to Store and Revive Leftover Scalloped Potatoes
It’s rare to have leftovers of this incredibly delicious slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham, but if you do, rest assured they reheat beautifully for another delightful meal. Proper storage is crucial to maintain their creamy texture and flavor.
Saving Leftovers Correctly
First and foremost, always allow your scalloped potatoes to cool down completely to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and helps maintain food safety. Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container with a sealed lid or a heavy-duty freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible. This minimizes moisture loss and keeps the potatoes moist and flavorful. Stored correctly, your leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, though the texture might be slightly softer upon reheating.
Bringing Leftovers Back to Life
Reheating is simple. For individual servings, a quick nuke in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, often does the trick to warm them through. For larger portions or a crispier top, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing it for the last few minutes if you desire a golden-brown top.
Transforming Leftovers into a Hearty Soup
One of our favorite ways to give leftover scalloped potatoes a new lease on life is by transforming them into a comforting leftover scalloped potato soup! This is surprisingly easy and creates a completely new, delicious dish. Here’s how:
- Transfer your leftover scalloped potatoes to a small saucepan or pot on your stovetop.
- Add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth – start with about 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on how much leftover potato you have and how thick you want your soup. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or milk for extra richness and a creamier consistency.
- Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and the ingredients are well combined.
- Once warmed to your liking, remove the pot from the heat.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the mixture. Start on a low setting and pulse gently to break down the larger pieces of potato and ham, creating a smoother soup. Blend to your desired consistency – some prefer a slightly chunky soup, while others enjoy a completely smooth puree. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer batches to a regular blender, being sure to vent the lid for hot liquids.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of your favorite herbs.
Serve this delicious potato soup with a crusty roll for lunch the next day, and enjoy a completely new culinary experience from your leftovers!
Don’t stop here! Take a peek at our other easy Crockpot recipes too. If you buy a double batch of potatoes, you can easily make dishes like slow cooker chicken and potatoes throughout the week, maximizing your meal prep and minimizing effort. The slow cooker is truly a versatile appliance that can simplify your cooking and bring delicious, comforting meals to your table with minimal fuss.
