Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is your answer. Forget hours spent slaving over a hot stove; this dish lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in perfectly tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 lb bone-in ham steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds amazing flavor!)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
-
Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the onion slices and minced garlic evenly over the potatoes. Top with half of the cubed ham.
-
Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process: add the remaining potatoes, onions, garlic, and ham.
-
Sauce and Seasoning: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
-
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness before the minimum time is up.
-
Cheese and Finish: Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese (if using) over the top. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds a delightful crispy top!
-
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the scalloped potatoes and ham from the slow cooker. Serve immediately and relish this simple yet delicious dish!
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham:
- Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer will ensure evenly thin potato slices, leading to even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. If necessary, use two slow cookers for larger batches.
- Bone-in Ham for Flavor: Using bone-in ham adds extra depth of flavor to your dish.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Fontina, or a blend of your favorites would work wonderfully.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Spicy Scalloped Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Replace the ham with bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes: Omit the ham and add extra vegetables like roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients. Expect a high calorie dish due to the cheese and cream. However, the dish provides carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from ham, and healthy fats.
This easy crock pot recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. It's a perfect example of how delicious and healthy meals can be achieved with simple ingredients and a little slow-cooking magic! Enjoy!