Hey there, food lovers! 🌟
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we’re all about making healthy food recipes that are not just good for you but also incredibly delicious. Today’s dish is a real crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting flavors we all crave with a healthier twist—Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes with Ham! Trust me; this dish is going to be the talk of your next family dinner or potluck. So, let’s dive into some cheesy, creamy goodness, shall we?
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
Scalloped potatoes are quintessential comfort food, but let’s be honest, they can be a bit heavy. My version keeps all that ooey-gooey, creamy texture but with a healthier spin. We trim some calories without losing an ounce of flavor. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, tangy cheddar, and savory ham—my mouth is watering just typing this!
### The Stars of the Show:
– **Potatoes**: I like to use Yukon Gold for their creamy texture.
– **Ham**: A great way to use leftovers, or pick up some low-sodium deli slices.
– **Cheddar Cheese**: Opt for sharp cheddar for a pop of flavor.
– **Milk and Chicken Broth**: These create a lighter-yet-creamy sauce.
– **Basic Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Trust me on the nutmeg—it adds a warm depth!
### Let’s Get Cooking!
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
– 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 ½ cups diced ham
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 ½ cups milk (use low-fat or skim for a healthier option)
– ½ cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep Time!** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. **Slice and Dice**: Start by slicing your potatoes thinly. You want them about 1/8-inch thick so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can be your best friend here—but be careful with those fingers!
3. **Layer It Up**: Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of your dish. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Top with a layer of diced ham and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
4. **Repeat**: Continue layering potatoes, ham, and cheese until everything is used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
5. **Make the Sauce**: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—around 5 minutes. Season with nutmeg and a pinch of salt.
6. **Pour and Cover**: Pour this luscious sauce evenly over your layered creation. Cover the dish with foil.
7. **Bake Away**: Pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, and let it bake for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Serve with Love**: Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to cut into.
**Pro Tip**: For an extra bump of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top before serving. It adds a fresh note and makes it oh-so-pretty!
And there you have it, folks—a healthier version of Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes with Ham that doesn’t skimp on taste. This dish is perfect for meal prep too. Just split it into containers and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal anytime.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this dish as much as I do. It’s comfort food with a conscious twist—exactly the kind of healthy food recipes we all need in our lives. So grab your apron, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Until next time, keep your spatula spinning and your taste buds tingling! 😊🍽️
P.S. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to snap a pic and share it with me on social media. Tag #HealthyFoodRecipes so we can drool over your creations together!