Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s practically foolproof, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe. I absolutely love how the potatoes come out tender and creamy, while the ham adds this savory, smoky depth that keeps me coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is in its simplicity — everyday ingredients that blend beautifully. When shopping, I like to grab Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape and cook evenly in the slow cooker.

• Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skin make them perfect for scalloped potatoes.
• Cooked ham: Cubed ham adds savory flavor and protein, making this dish a complete meal.
• Cream of celery soup: Adds subtle herbal undertones without overpowering.
• Cream of chicken soup: Gives the sauce body and richness.
• Sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
• Yellow onion: Diced for a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and lovely color.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little kick.
• Dried thyme: Offers a hint of earthiness.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and tops off the dish with gooey goodness.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I sometimes play with adding different cheeses or swapping herbs to give it a new twist.

• Cheese swap: I’ve switched out cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor and my friends loved it.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra umami.
• Spicy kick: I once added a pinch of cayenne and smoked paprika—so good if you like a subtle heat.
• Fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh rosemary or parsley for bright aromatics.

How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Sauce

Start by combining your cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, and one cup of shredded cheddar in a large bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is blended into a smooth, flavorful sauce. I like to taste a little bit to adjust seasoning if needed at this stage.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray—trust me, this saves so much cleanup time later. Then layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Top that with half of the diced ham, followed by half the creamy cheese sauce. Repeat these layers one more time until everything’s used up.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 5 to 6 hours. This slow cook time lets the potatoes soften into silky goodness without turning mushy. About 10 minutes before you wrap up cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top and cover again so it melts into a bubbly, golden layer.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese melts, I like to garnish with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then dive in! The layers of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese come together in such a satisfying way—I promise the family will go crazy for this.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving because it brightens the rich flavors and makes the dish look gorgeous. Sometimes, I toss on a little extra shredded cheddar or even crispy fried onions for a fun crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a standalone meal since it’s packed with ham and potatoes, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or roasted green beans are my go-tos. The freshness and slight bitterness cut through the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the scalloped potatoes and ham in mini slow cooker casseroles — it looks charming, and everyone gets their own bubbly cheesy portion. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass baking dish so the beautiful layers can be admired before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I love packing leftovers into airtight containers and popping them in the fridge. They keep really well for about 3 to 4 days. When I reheat, I always cover them loosely to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times after cooking, and it reheats wonderfully with only a slight texture change in the potatoes. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheating works best in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents the potatoes from drying out. I avoid microwave reheating unless I’m in a rush because it can make the potatoes rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a cozy dinner with minimal fuss, this dish delivers every time. I hope you give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become one of your go-to comfort foods just like it is in my home.

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