Name: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, sliced ¼ thick; 1 ½ cups smoked ham, diced into cubes; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional); ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional); ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 1-1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 ½ cups gruyere cheese, shredded, divided; ¼ cup heavy cream (may substitute with half and half); ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, fresh ground (optional); 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional); 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a comforting dish that features tender layers of creamy potatoes interspersed with bits of savory ham, all baked to perfection under a gooey blanket of melty cheese. When you first take a forkful, you’ll be met with a rich, cheesy flavor that envelops each bite, making it impossible not to go back for seconds. This recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness and is a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into something truly delicious.

Pin this for later!

I remember the first time I enjoyed scalloped potatoes and ham at a family gathering. It was one of those unforgettable meals where everyone gathered around the table, eager to share stories and laughter amidst the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. This dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal. With this Instant Pot version, you’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping before handing over the cooking duties to your trusty gadget, resulting in tender, flavorful goodness in just 21 minutes. Trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to try!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From prep to table in less than an hour, this recipe is a breeze, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, salty ham, and aromatic herbs creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Layered potatoes glistening under melted cheese make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish or a hearty side—no matter when, it’s always a hit!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute the heavy cream with half and half for lighter versions while still keeping it rich and creamy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick: Russets provide a fluffy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes for a creamier finish.
1 ½ cups smoked ham (uncured), diced into cubes: Smoked ham adds depth and richness. Feel free to use leftover ham from your holiday dinners!
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth; you can use freshly cracked pepper for more flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: This ingredient adds a savory sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional): Thyme imparts a lovely herbal note; dried thyme can be used, but reduce the amount.
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional): Adds an aromatic quality that complements the potatoes beautifully.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
1-1 ½ cups broth (chicken or vegetable): Keeps the potatoes moist as they cook. Choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
2 ½ cups gruyere cheese, shredded, divided: This nutty cheese is key for that gooey, decadent topping. You could use cheddar for a sharper flavor or a mix of cheeses.
¼ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess; substitute with half and half for a lighter option.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground (optional): This subtle warmth elevates the dish; use sparingly.
1-2 tablespoons butter (optional): Adds richness on top before broiling; feel free to omit it for a lighter version.
1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped for garnish (optional): A little fresh herb on top adds a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into ¼ inch thick rounds. A Mandoline works wonders here for uniformity. Keeping them consistent is key to even cooking.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the potato slices in the pressure cooker pot in layers. Sprinkle the cubed ham over the top of each layer.
Season: Next, add the kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary over the layered potatoes and ham, distributing them evenly.
Add Broth: Pour the broth evenly over the top of the layered ingredients. This will help to keep everything moist while cooking.
Pressure Cook: Lock the lid onto the pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button and set the timer for 1 minute (or 2 minutes if you’re at a high altitude). It will take about 12 minutes to reach pressure, and the potatoes will cook during this time.
Quick Release: Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release. When the pressure pin pops down, open the lid slowly.
Preheat the Broiler: While you’re gathering the ingredients for the next steps, butter an 8×8 or 10×7 inch baking dish. Move the rack to about 8 inches from the broiler and preheat your oven to Broil at 500°F.
Transfer the Potatoes and Ham: Using a slotted spoon or cooking spider, gently transfer the potatoes and ham into the buttered baking dish, layering them as evenly as possible. Leverage as much of the liquid left in the pot as you can.
Make the Cheese Sauce: If there’s not much broth left in the pot, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of broth. Turn on the Sauté function and add 1 ½ cups of gruyere cheese, heavy cream, and nutmeg to the liquid. Stir until everything is melted and creamy, then turn off the pot and carefully remove it from the cooker.
Assemble and Broil: Pour the cheesy mixture evenly over the potatoes and ham in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and dot with butter pieces. Broil for 5-10 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling.
Let It Rest: Allow your scalloped potatoes and ham to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. For an optional touch, garnish with chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.
Check for Warmth: To ensure they’re heated through, insert a butter knife into the center. If it’s hot after 30 seconds, you’re good to go. If it’s cool, give it a little more time in the oven.

Storing & Reheating

To store your scalloped potatoes and ham, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or place them back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating, so consider adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes by sticking to the recommended slicing thickness.
To enhance the flavor, sauté some onion in the Instant Pot before adding the broth.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything up to the broiling step. When you’re ready to bake, just go straight to the broiling phase.
Keep an eye on the broiler; it can turn from golden to burnt quickly, so check often!
Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile—try combining gruyere with a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is not just a dish—it’s a heartfelt embrace on a plate. It brings together great flavor, simple prep, and lovely presentation, making each bite memorable. With this recipe, it’s easy to create something that feels indulgent without being complicated. Enjoy exploring different variations while whipping up this comforting meal, and bring your loved ones together around the table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While gruyere is a fantastic choice for its melty texture and mild nutty flavor, you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will give a slightly different flavor to your dish.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

After broiling, insert a butter knife into the center of the dish. If it feels hot when you pull it out, the dish is ready to enjoy. If it feels cool, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes until warmed through.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

What should I serve with scalloped potatoes and ham?

This hearty dish stands beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy it with dinner rolls or a light dessert to complete the experience!

More Dinner Recipes

👉 If you make my Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.