Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: A Comfort Food Classic

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a true comfort food classic, a dish that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming humble ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible meal.

It’s a dish that’s easy to make, even for novice cooks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different cheeses, herbs, and spices. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are sure to be a hit.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: A Comfort Food Classic

The aroma of slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham is a surefire way to bring families and friends together. This dish is a comforting classic, often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and even weeknight dinners. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, making it ideal for busy schedules.

The Appeal of Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

This dish’s popularity stems from its versatility and ease of preparation. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the potatoes cook to a tender, creamy perfection. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and cheesy goodness is a winning formula, satisfying both young and old.

“Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a comforting dish that brings back childhood memories of family gatherings.”

Anonymous

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy evening. They’re so easy to make, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. For a change of pace, I sometimes make a batch of Chinese sweet and sour chicken on the side – the tangy sauce is a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes.

But no matter what I’m serving, slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients and Preparation

The beauty of slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting and flavorful dish that will warm your heart and soul. However, selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results.

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a comforting classic, especially when paired with a sweet and tangy dessert. I always think of chef Johns classic strawberry shortcake as the perfect ending to a hearty meal like this, the contrast in flavors is simply delightful.

And speaking of contrast, the creamy, cheesy potato dish is best served piping hot, while the strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed cold.

Ingredient Selection

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste and texture of the dish.

• Potatoes:Choose starchy potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold, for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they tend to become mushy in the slow cooker.
• Ham:Opt for a high-quality ham, such as bone-in ham or a thick-sliced ham steak. Avoid using pre-sliced ham as it can become dry in the slow cooker.
• Milk:Whole milk is preferred for its richness and creaminess. However, you can use 2% milk or even skim milk if you prefer a lighter dish.
• Butter:Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor and helps to create a creamy sauce.
• Flour:All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce. You can use cornstarch as an alternative, but it tends to make the sauce slightly more translucent.
• Seasonings:Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are the basic seasonings for this dish. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Preparing the Ingredients

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to prepare them for cooking.

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a comforting classic, and while they’re simmering, I love whipping up a quick side dish like goya easy arroz con pollo. The vibrant flavors of the rice dish perfectly complement the creamy richness of the potatoes and ham, making for a well-rounded meal.

I always make sure to have enough of both dishes, as they’re always a hit with my family!

1. Peel and slice the potatoes:Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can use a mandoline for even slices, but a sharp knife will work just fine.
2. Dice the ham:Cut the ham into 1/2-inch cubes. If using a bone-in ham, remove the bone before dicing.
3. Prepare the sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the butter and melt it over low heat, stirring constantly.

Cooking Process

The magic of slow cooking scalloped potatoes with ham lies in the layering process.

It’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures that meld together over time, resulting in a comforting dish that practically melts in your mouth.

Layering and Even Distribution

The key to achieving perfectly cooked and evenly flavored scalloped potatoes is to layer the ingredients strategically. This ensures that each potato slice gets a generous coating of creamy sauce and flavorful ham.

• Start by spreading a layer of thinly sliced ham at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the potatoes to sit on.
• Next, layer thinly sliced potatoes over the ham, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. You can use a combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure it covers them completely. This will ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Finally, sprinkle grated cheese over the top. This adds a final touch of cheesy goodness and helps to create a golden-brown crust.

Optimal Cooking Time and Temperature

The beauty of slow cooking is that it takes the guesswork out of cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring your potatoes are cooked to perfection.

The optimal cooking time for slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham is typically 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

It’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and the thickness of your potato slices. It’s always a good idea to check the potatoes for tenderness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker for this dish offers several advantages:

• Convenience:Simply layer the ingredients, set the timer, and forget about it. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to come home to a warm and comforting meal.
• Tenderness:The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become incredibly tender and creamy. The low and slow heat ensures that the potatoes don’t become mushy or dry.
• Flavor Development:The long cooking time allows the flavors of the ham, potatoes, and sauce to meld together, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Hands-Off Cooking:Once the ingredients are layered in the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. No need to constantly check or stir the dish.

Variations and Tips: Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes With Ham

This slow cooker scalloped potato recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients, adjusting the cooking method, or experimenting with serving options.

Variations

Here are some variations to try:

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor:

• Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly.
• Use a good quality ham for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy.
• Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Cheese, Herbs, and Spices

• For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
• Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, add a fragrant touch.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack, for a variety of flavors.

Serving and Presentation

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are a comforting and satisfying dish that can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal occasion. The key to a successful presentation is to ensure the potatoes are cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the ham is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Temperature, Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham

The ideal serving temperature for slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham is warm, but not piping hot. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the cheese to melt without becoming greasy. It is best to serve the potatoes immediately after removing them from the slow cooker.

Accompanying Dishes and Beverages

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham pair well with a variety of accompanying dishes and beverages. For a balanced meal, consider serving them with a green salad or a light vegetable side dish, such as steamed broccoli or asparagus. A crisp, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy texture of the potatoes and the salty flavor of the ham.

For a more casual setting, a chilled beer or a refreshing iced tea would also be appropriate.

Presentation

To enhance the visual appeal of your slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham, consider the following presentation tips:* Plating:Serve the potatoes in individual ramekins or shallow bowls. This allows for a more elegant presentation and prevents the potatoes from becoming soggy.

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness. You can also garnish with a few crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Arrangement

Arrange the potatoes in a neat mound, with the cheese melted and bubbly on top. You can also create a decorative pattern with the potatoes by using a cookie cutter or a spoon to create swirls or lines.

Visual Illustration:Imagine a rustic, white ceramic bowl filled with golden-brown scalloped potatoes. The potatoes are arranged in a neat mound, with melted, bubbly cheese cascading over the top. A few sprigs of fresh parsley are scattered on top, adding a touch of green to the dish.

The bowl is placed on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by a few slices of crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.

Tags

comfort food easy recipes ham recipes potato recipes slow cooker recipes