Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts!
I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite cozy dishes with you today: Creamy Scalloped Ham Potatoes! This heavenly recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warming yet still want to keep it relatively healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have. So, let’s dive right in and get cooking!
**Creamy Scalloped Ham Potatoes: A Comforting Classic**
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a heap of creamy, cheesy, hammy potatoes. Trust me, I’ve done the research (i.e., tasted a LOT of food)! But before you sigh and think this dish might not fit into your “Healthy Food Recipes” index, let me assure you, I’ve got your back. We’ll keep it on the healthier side without sacrificing any of that deliciousness we all love.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 cups cooked ham, diced
– 1 ½ cups milk (feel free to use a plant-based alternative to make it even lighter)
– 1 cup low-fat cheese (your choice, I love using sharp cheddar for the flavor kick)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish (because we all love a little green!)
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:**
Okay, first things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, get going on slicing your potatoes nice and thin. You know, so they layer beautifully and cook evenly. I like them about an eighth of an inch thick.
2. **Make the Creamy Sauce:**
Time to get saucy! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melty, throw in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen smells like heaven (or close enough).
3. **Thicken Up!:**
Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or so. This forms a little paste, known as a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until your sauce starts to thicken up a bit—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Stir in half of the cheese and let it melt into gooey goodness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. **Assemble the Dish:**
Now comes the fun part. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, then a layer of ham, and pour half of that luscious sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce. Top everything with the remaining cheese.
5. **Bake to Perfection:**
Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
Let your masterpiece cool a bit (I know, waiting is the hardest part), then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Voila! Your Creamy Scalloped Ham Potatoes are ready to impress.
**Helpful Tips:**
– **Potato Power:** Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for the creamiest texture.
– **Cheese, Please:** If you’re going the healthy route, choose a cheese with a strong flavor—this way, you can use less while still getting that cheesy punch.
– **Customization Station:** Feel free to throw in some veggies. Broccoli or peas work beautifully here and add a nutritional boost.
This Creamy Scalloped Ham Potatoes recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s one of those Healthy Food Recipes that everyone will love, whether they’re a ham enthusiast, a potato aficionado, or just a comfort food lover like me. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. I always love hearing your thoughts and seeing your delicious creations.
Happy cooking, and stay cozy!
Love,
[Your Name]