Homemade Crockpot Ham & Scalloped Potatoes!

When life hands you a leftover holiday ham and a fridge full of random odds and ends, what do you do? Well, if you’re me, you try to make something comforting enough to chase away the winter blues and simple enough that you don’t have to babysit it. That’s how my Homemade Crockpot Ham & Scalloped Potatoes recipe was born.

It all started one chilly Saturday afternoon. My husband and kids were in a post-holiday hibernation mode, lounging around the house with blankets and cocoa. Meanwhile, I was standing in the kitchen, staring at a mountain of leftover ham from Christmas dinner. The thought of just reheating it felt like a total letdown. I wanted something warm, cheesy, and so satisfyingly hearty it could bring everyone out of their blanket cocoons for dinner.

I rummaged through the pantry and found a bag of potatoes. They were on the verge of sprouting eyes, practically begging to be used. And that’s when it hit me—scalloped potatoes. Not just any scalloped potatoes, though. I wanted something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with that salty, smoky ham. But who’s got the patience to bake a casserole on a lazy Saturday? Not me. Enter the crockpot. It was like a lightbulb moment that suddenly made my chilly weekend feel a lot cozier.

Since then, this dish has become a go-to comfort meal for us. Whenever the weather turns chilly, or whenever I just want something comforting and effortless, this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is my ace in the hole. And best of all, it’s one of those meals you just toss in the crockpot and forget about until your whole house smells like heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Perfect Comfort Food: Imagine cozying up on the couch with a big, warm bowl of cheesy scalloped potatoes and tender chunks of ham. It’s the kind of comfort food that gives you a warm hug from the inside.
   
2. Super Easy Preparation: This Easy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is about as low-effort as it gets. No standing over a stove, no endless stirring. Just layer, pour, cover, and walk away.
   
3. Great Use of Leftovers: If you’re ever wondering how to make scalloped potatoes with leftover ham, this recipe is the answer. It’s like giving new life to those holiday leftovers.
   
4. Feeds a Crowd: While I often make this as an easy scalloped potatoes recipe for two, it’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Just double the ingredients and you’re good to go.
   
5. Endless Variations: Want to switch things up? Try adding some sharp cheddar for a cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe that’ll make everyone swoon. Or, go old-fashioned with a classic, creamy base and let the ham do all the talking.
   
6. Family-Friendly: My kids gobble this up every time. The ham gives it just the right amount of salty goodness, while the creamy potatoes are pure comfort food magic.
   

Ingredients for This Crockpot Ham & Scalloped Potatoes Recipe:

• 6 large potatoes, thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon or Spatula

Cooking Instructions for Homemade Crockpot Ham & Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

1. Prep The Ingredients:
   
   • Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
   • Dice the cooked ham and thinly slice the onion.
2. Mix The Sauce:
   
   • In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
3. Layer The Ingredients:
   
   • Grease the crockpot lightly to prevent sticking.
   • Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the onions, ham, and cheese.
   • Pour half of the cream mixture over the top.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, and cheese.
   • Pour the rest of the cream mixture over everything.
4. Cook:
   
   • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is nice and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

1. Cheese Variations: If you love your scalloped potatoes cheesy, try using Gruyere or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
   
2. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.
   
3. Ham Substitution: No leftover ham? No problem. Cooked bacon or sausage work wonderfully, too.
   
4. Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of flour with the cream mixture.
   
5. Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Just add a splash of cream or milk to keep everything creamy.
   
6. Scalloped Potatoes For Two: Cut the recipe in half and use a smaller crockpot for a cozy dinner for two.
   

Macronutrients Count Per Serving:

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g

Pro Tips For The Recipe:

1. Cheese Upgrade: For the best scalloped potatoes ever, try mixing Gruyere with sharp cheddar. The combo gives you that rich, melty goodness everyone loves.
2. Pre-Cook The Potatoes: If you’re in a hurry, parboil the potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them in the crockpot. It helps them cook faster and stay perfectly tender.
3. Even Slicing Is Key: Use a mandoline if you have one. It ensures your potatoes cook evenly and gives that lovely scalloped potato texture.
4. Creamy Sauce Boost: For a thicker, creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the cream mixture. It’ll cling to the potatoes like a dream.
5. Keep It Moist: If you’re reheating leftovers, drizzle a bit of heavy cream or milk over the top before warming to keep things rich and creamy.
6. Adjust For Smaller Portions: Making scalloped potatoes for two? Cut the recipe in half and use a smaller crockpot. It’s the perfect cozy dinner solution.

Let’s Dish Out The Answers (Q & A Section):

Q1: What can I serve with this recipe? A: This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or dinner rolls complement it beautifully.

Q2: How can I make this dish better and easier? A: To make it even simpler, you can use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked diced ham. And if you’re short on time, use a mandoline to slice the potatoes paper-thin.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just start the crockpot the next day, and you’re good to go.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat slowly with a bit of added cream to keep it from drying out.

Q5: How do I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce.