Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A hearty, cheesy potato casserole like our slow cooker scalloped potatoes and ham makes a superb accompaniment to almost any protein. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dish complements a variety of main courses perfectly.

For celebratory meals and holidays, consider serving these potatoes alongside classic centerpieces like our tender Herb-Roasted Turkey, a succulent Herb Crusted Top Round Roast, or a juicy Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breast. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the potatoes will beautifully balance these savory meats.

Beyond traditional holiday fare, these scalloped potatoes are also an excellent pairing for everyday favorites. You truly can’t go wrong with any of the following:

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
• Oven Baked Cornflake Chicken
• Pork Tenderloin
• Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

The versatility of this side dish makes it a go-to for many different meal plans, ensuring a crowd-pleasing experience every time.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Crafting the perfect batch of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham starts with understanding each key ingredient and its role in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

• Potatoes: The foundation of this dish. You’ll use raw, thinly sliced potatoes, eliminating the need for any pre-cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes are our top recommendation for scalloped potato dishes because their waxy texture helps them maintain their shape beautifully during the long, slow cooking process, preventing them from becoming mushy. Red potatoes are another excellent choice for similar reasons. Whether you peel them or leave the skins on for extra nutrition and rustic appeal is entirely up to your preference.
• Chicken Broth: This liquid gold forms the flavorful base of our creamy sauce. Chicken broth infuses the potatoes with a savory depth. For those opting for a vegetarian version (without the ham, of course), vegetable broth is a perfect substitute, ensuring the dish remains flavorful and delicious.
• Ham: The star protein that adds a wonderful salty, savory contrast to the creamy potatoes. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, working beautifully with a variety of hams. Whether you have leftover holiday ham, pre-cooked deli ham, or even ham that’s been previously frozen, any kind will integrate seamlessly into this casserole. Diced ham ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
• Sour Cream: Essential for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture and a delightful hint of tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Full-fat sour cream will yield the creamiest results, but you can also substitute it with heavy cream if you prefer a different flavor profile or have it on hand.
• Parmesan Cheese: This hard, salty cheese brings a sharp, umami-rich punch to the sauce. Its distinct flavor elevates the overall taste and contributes to the golden crust when the dish is finished. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Cheddar Cheese: The ultimate melting cheese for a comforting casserole. You have the freedom to choose any kind of cheddar cheese you like – sharp, medium, or mild – depending on your preference for intensity. A combination of different cheeses can also add complexity. We use a generous amount, with a portion mixed into the sauce and a final sprinkle on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
• Thyme: A fresh herb that adds an aromatic, earthy note that perfectly complements both potatoes and ham. Fresh thyme is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, dried thyme will also work. If using dried, remember that it’s more potent, so use about half the amount of fresh.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples provide an aromatic depth without the texture of fresh onions or garlic. They ensure a consistent, savory flavor throughout the creamy sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings are crucial for bringing out all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious, incredibly satisfying slow cooker casserole that will quickly become a household favorite.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in a Crock Pot

Creating this delicious slow cooker ham and cheese scalloped potato casserole is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a creamy, flavorful dish:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker and Potatoes: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker crock with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the cheesy potatoes from sticking to the sides during the long cooking process and makes cleanup much easier. Next, wash your chosen potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added nutrients and a rustic look. Slice the potatoes into even 1/8-inch thick rounds. This uniform thickness is key for consistent cooking, ensuring all potatoes become perfectly tender at the same time. Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Combine and Layer Ingredients: Over the layer of potatoes, evenly distribute the remaining ingredients. Add the chicken broth, diced ham, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh chopped thyme, and salt. Gently mix all these components together within the slow cooker until the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce and seasonings. Once mixed, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. This top layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Secure the lid firmly on your slow cooker. Set the cooking temperature to ‘Low’. Allow the scalloped potatoes to cook for approximately 5-6 hours. The exact cooking time can vary based on your particular slow cooker model, as some cook hotter than others. The potatoes are perfectly done when they are fork-tender and can be easily cut through. Check for doneness around the 5-hour mark.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes have reached their ideal tenderness, you can either switch your slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting to keep them hot for serving, or simply turn it off. Dish out generous portions of this creamy, cheesy slow cooker scalloped potatoes and ham and prepare for rave reviews. Enjoy this delightful comfort food!

This hands-off approach ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful casserole every time, giving you more time to relax or focus on other meal preparations.

Expert Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Achieving the best possible results with your slow cooker scalloped potatoes and ham is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help ensure your dish is perfectly creamy, tender, and incredibly flavorful:

• Even Potato Slices are Key: For consistently cooked potatoes, it’s crucial to slice them as evenly as possible, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness. This prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked and mushy while others remain undercooked and firm. A mandoline slicer is an invaluable tool for this task, ensuring uniform slices quickly and easily. If using a knife, take your time and aim for precision.
• Prevent Sticking with Nonstick Spray: Always spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients. This simple step creates a barrier that significantly helps prevent the potatoes and cheesy sauce from sticking to the sides and bottom of the crockpot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Adapt to Your Slow Cooker: Slow cookers vary widely in how hot they run. It’s a good idea to check on your potatoes occasionally, especially if it’s your first time making this recipe in a new slow cooker. Begin checking for tenderness around the 4.5-5 hour mark on low.
• Cooking on High for Faster Results: If you’re pressed for time, this recipe can be cooked on the ‘High’ setting for approximately 2.5-3 hours. Just be sure to monitor it more closely to prevent overcooking and scorching. The low and slow method generally yields the most tender and flavorful results, but high heat is a viable alternative when needed.
• Choose Your Ham Wisely: This recipe is wonderfully versatile with ham. Feel free to use any type of cooked ham you have on hand – whether it’s leftover holiday ham, pre-packaged deli ham, or even ham that has been frozen and thawed. Dicing the ham into small, uniform pieces ensures that it’s evenly distributed throughout the casserole, providing a burst of savory flavor in every bite.
• Embrace Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan will melt much more smoothly and contribute a superior flavor to your scalloped potatoes. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt, sometimes leading to a slightly grainy texture.
• Full-Fat for Creaminess: For the richest, creamiest slow cooker scalloped potatoes, opt for full-fat sour cream. The higher fat content contributes to a more luxurious texture and mouthfeel, enhancing the overall indulgence of the dish.

By following these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a truly memorable and fuss-free slow cooker scalloped potato and ham dish!

For the creamiest and most structurally sound scalloped potatoes, we highly recommend using waxy varieties like Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. These types hold their shape exceptionally well during the long cooking time in the slow cooker, preventing them from becoming mushy. Their natural creaminess also contributes to the overall rich texture of the dish.

Absolutely! Crock Pot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish. You can easily prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Once cooked and cooled, store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to reheat, pull the baking dish out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow it to come closer to room temperature while your oven preheats. This gradual temperature change helps ensure even reheating and, if using a glass casserole dish, prevents thermal shock which could lead to cracking.

Certainly! While the slow cooker offers unmatched convenience, you can easily adapt this recipe for oven baking. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in a slightly overlapping pattern at the bottom of the dish, then pour half of the sour cream and cheese sauce over them. Layer the remaining potatoes over the first layer, then spread the rest of the creamy sauce evenly on top. Finish by sprinkling with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Yes, you can! To add more vegetables, consider stirring in some frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots during the last hour of cooking in the slow cooker. You could also sauté some diced onions or bell peppers and add them with the ham for extra flavor and texture.

To prevent sliced potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown before cooking, submerge them in a bowl of cold water immediately after slicing. Drain them well just before adding them to the slow cooker.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy your Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham for days to come:

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the original slow cooker insert/baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat in the Oven: For best results, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If reheating in a baking dish from the fridge, let it sit out for about 20-30 minutes to come closer to room temperature. Cover the pan securely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat slowly for about 25-35 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the top.
• To Reheat in the Microwave: For individual portions, transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated to your satisfaction. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the potatoes rubbery.
• Freezing (Optional): While possible, freezing can sometimes alter the texture of dairy-based dishes, making them a bit grainier. If you choose to freeze, store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.