Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

By davidv

Scalloped potatoes are usually a side dish, but this is your main course! Add a veggie and you’ve got a balanced dinner.

Tip: This recipe is perfect for freezing. Cook as directed and cool completely. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the potatoes and then tightly wrap the dish in more plastic. You can reheat the recipe from frozen in 60–90 minutes. (Remove the plastic wrap before baking). Or, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then bake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 lbs Idaho potatoes, washed, peeled, thinly and evenly sliced
• 10-oz pre-cooked ham, diced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Details

Adapted from qvc.co

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Combine the half-and-half and heavy cream together in a small bowl. Pour a 1/2 cup of the cream mixture into a 2.5- to 3-quart baking dish (you just want to cover the bottom).

Carefully combine the ham, onion, 2-1/2 cups of Monterey Jack, 2-1/2 cups of cheddar, thyme, salt, and pepper with the potatoes in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined. Be careful not to break the potatoes.

Evenly spread half the potato mixture in the baking dish. Top with half the remaining cream mixture (about 1/2 cup). Repeat with the remaining potato mixture and cream mixture. Top with the remaining cheese.

Cover and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and continue to bake until bubbly and brown, about 40 minutes. Let the dish rest 15 minutes before serving.