Hey there, fellow food lovers! 🍽️
Welcome back to my cozy little corner of the internet, where I’m all about whipping up delicious meals that are not only mouthwatering but also on the healthier side of things. Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that combines comfort food vibes with a touch of health-conscious goodness: Garlic Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Get ready to indulge without the guilt!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, right? Those tender layers of potatoes swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce are just pure magic. But I’ve found a way to lighten it up a tad, so we can enjoy the best of both worlds. This recipe is not just scrumptious; it’s also part of our *Healthy Food Recipes* collection, crafted with love and a pinch of practicality.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these ingredients on hand, which makes this dish even more irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Golds work great!)
– 2 cups cooked lean ham, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
– 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon flour (whole wheat is a nice touch here)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
### Let’s Get Cooking!
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, get everything else prepped. There’s something comforting about hearing the oven hum as it gets ready, isn’t there?
2. **Slice Those Spuds:** Using a mandolin or a good knife, slice the potatoes as thin as you can. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that creamy goodness.
3. **Create the Sauce:** In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, creating a simple roux. Gradually whisk in the almond milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
4. **Layer It Up:** In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of potato slices. Top with a sprinkle of ham and a bit of cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a delightful cheesy layer on top.
5. **Pour the Sauce:** Drizzle your creamy garlic sauce over the layered potatoes and ham, allowing it to seep into all the nooks and crannies.
6. **Bake and Enjoy:** Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. The waiting is the hardest part, but I promise it’s worth it!
### Handy Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
– **Cheese Choices:** If mozzarella isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for another low-fat cheese like cheddar or Swiss. Each brings its own unique twist to our favorite *Healthy Food Recipes*.
– **Milk Matters:** Almond milk is a great low-calorie choice, but if you’re after something creamier, go ahead with skim or 2% milk.
– **Herbs for Extra Flavor:** Adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary is a fabulous way to experiment with flavors.
### Personal Insights
I remember the first time I made scalloped potatoes with ham. It was a chilly weekend, and the moment I peeked into the oven and saw that bubbling, cheesy crust forming, I knew I was onto something special. Now, with this healthier spin, I get to enjoy those same nostalgic flavors, and I love sharing them with my family. There’s something so satisfying about serving a dish that’s both comforting and a little kinder to the waistline.
So there you have it! Garlic Scalloped Potatoes and Ham that tick all the boxes of comfort and health. Add this to your collection of *Healthy Food Recipes*, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you make any tweaks or have any tips to share? I’d love to hear from you!
Happy cooking, and as always, eat well and be well! 🌿