Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so perfectly layered, that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece. Our Creamy Ham and Scallop Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a mouthwatering experience that will have your family begging for seconds! Packed with golden, tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and use a sharp mandoline or knife to slice them uniformly thin, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
- Drain potato slices and pat completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper layering and browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk ingredients until well incorporated.
- Begin layering potatoes in the prepared baking dish, creating an overlapping pattern. After each layer of potatoes, sprinkle diced ham and a portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Continue layering potatoes, ham, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is covered with cheese.
- Pour the seasoned cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, allowing it to seep between the layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even potato slices, which guarantees consistent cooking and texture.
- Dry Those Potatoes: Thoroughly pat potato slices dry to prevent excess moisture and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Layer with Love: Take your time when layering potatoes, ham, and cheese. Overlapping creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Allow the dish to rest 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the cream set and intensifies the flavors.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with gruyère, Swiss, or a cheese blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared earlier in the day and refrigerated, then baked just before serving – perfect for meal planning!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
