Hey, food lovers!
Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet, where I share all my tasty adventures in the world of healthy food recipes. Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s like a warm hug on a chilly day: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Yes, I know what you’re thinking – scalloped potatoes are usually a creamy, cheesy indulgence. But fear not, we’re going to amp up the nutritional value while keeping all the comfort-food charm you crave.
### Why I Love This Recipe
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a family favorite that works perfectly as a side dish or even a hearty main course. Growing up, my mom would always make this for Sunday dinners, and I’ve fond memories of the kitchen filled with the scent of bubbling cheese and smoked ham. I’ve tweaked the traditional recipe a bit to make it lighter and healthier without skimping on flavor. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
### What You’ll Need
Here’s a rundown of the ingredients. Don’t worry if this list gets long – it’s all about depth of flavor (and a full belly!).
– 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Golds are marvelous here!)
– 1 1/2 cups of cooked ham, diced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
– 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
– 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
– 1 cup of low-fat cheese, shredded (try cheddar or Gruyère)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish
### Let’s Get Cooking!
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly for the perfect texture. This might be a good time to practice those knife skills or break out a mandolin if you’ve got one!
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. It’s like a welcome party for your taste buds.
3. **Make the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring it around for a minute or so to cook off that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the almond milk, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens a bit. Here’s where we add that lovely thyme along with some salt and pepper. Stir in half of your shredded cheese until it melts into the dreamy sauce.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:** In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the potatoes. Top with half of the diced ham and pour over half of the sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce. Finish it off by sprinkling the rest of the cheese on top.
5. **Bake to Perfection:** Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for about 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. Let it sit for a few minutes—it’ll thicken a bit as it cools.
6. **Finishing Touches:** Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
### My Top Tips
– **Potato Choice:** While Yukon Golds are my go-to for this Healthy Food Recipes dish, feel free to use Russet or baby red potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced thinly for even cooking.
– **Cheese Swaps:** If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some feta or goat cheese with your cheddar for a tangy twist.
– **Get Your Veggies In:** For extra nutrition, toss in some fresh spinach or kale between layers. It’s an easy way to sneak in those greens.
And voila! You’ve got a healthy, bubbling dish of Scalloped Potatoes and Ham ready to take center stage on your dining table.
I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful twist on a classic comfort food. If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments or tag me in your photos on social media with #HealthyFoodRecipes. I love seeing your culinary creations!
Until next time, happy cooking and stay delicious!
Much love,
[Your Name] 😊🍴
P.S. Don’t forget to visit my recipe index for more healthy food recipes that will make you the star of every dinner!