Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham – Easy & Creamy Comfort Food

If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and ultra-satisfying dish, these Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham are exactly what you need! With tender layers of potatoes, savory ham, gooey cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce, this slow cooker version makes it effortless to prepare a classic comfort food—without even turning on your oven.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a great potluck dish, or simply wanting to use up leftover ham, this recipe is a perfect go-to. Just toss everything in your Crockpot and let it work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Hands-Off

With just 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, making this perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Rich & Creamy Flavor

The cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup blend into a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.

Family-Friendly & Budget-Friendly

Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults.

Great for Leftovers

This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, making it perfect for post-holiday meals.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Main Ingredients

• 8 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ⅔ cup milk
• Thyme, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• A few pinches of salt, for the potatoes
• Cooking spray (for greasing the Crockpot)
• Green onion (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes & Quality Tips

Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape while becoming perfectly tender. Yukon Golds are also a great choice for a slightly buttery texture.

Cheese: Cheddar gives a rich, sharp flavor, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend.

Milk: Whole milk provides the best creaminess, but half-and-half can make it even richer.

Soup Substitute: If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery are great alternatives.

Possible Substitutions

For a lighter version: Use low-fat cheese and milk, or swap the condensed soup for a homemade roux with flour, butter, and broth.

For a gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free condensed soup or a homemade alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker & Ingredients

• Grease the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Peel and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds (too thick = undercooked, too thin = mushy).
• Dice the onion and cut the cooked ham into bite-sized cubes.

Layer the Ingredients

• Toss the sliced potatoes in a little salt to enhance flavor.
• Layer half the potatoes, half the onion, half the ham, and half the cheese in the slow cooker.
• Repeat with the remaining ingredients, creating a second layer.

Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme, and black pepper.
• Pour the mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.

Slow Cook to Perfection

• HIGH: Cook for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
• LOW: Cook for 6-8 hours for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Test for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork—they should be soft but not falling apart.

Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly crisp bite.
• Serve warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Perfect Texture

Don’t slice the potatoes too thick—aim for ¼-inch thick slices for even cooking.

Layer the ingredients properly so the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded (it melts much better).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the cooking spray – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Overcooking on high for too long – If left too long, the potatoes may turn mushy.

Using cold ingredients – Let the milk and soup come to room temperature for smoother mixing.

Time-Saving Tips

Prep ahead: Slice the potatoes and onions the night before and store them in a bowl of water in the fridge to prevent browning.

Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform potato slices quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a fresh contrast
• Buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce
• A crisp garden salad for a lighter balance

Beverage Pairings

• White wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture
• Beer: A light lager or amber ale pairs well with the cheesy, savory flavors
• Non-Alcoholic: A cold glass of apple cider adds a sweet contrast

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as potatoes tend to become grainy when frozen.

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid cold spots.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the Crockpot insert the night before, store it in the fridge, and then cook it the next day.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?

Absolutely! Use 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme in place of the dried version for a more aromatic touch.

What if my potatoes aren’t fully cooked?

If your potatoes are still firm after the cooking time, cover and cook for an extra 30-45 minutes on LOW.

Variations & Customizations

Healthier Version

Swap out cream of mushroom soup for a homemade roux with Greek yogurt or light cream.

Use turkey ham instead of regular ham for a lower-fat option.

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add an extra ½ cup of cheese for an ultra-cheesy finish.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more easy, delicious recipes? Try these:

Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun, crispy, and cheesy classic

Classic French Toast Recipe – A quick and delicious breakfast favorite

French Omelette with Fines Herbes – A light and elegant brunch dish

For more recipes, check out my Pinterest at Cooking with Callie and save your favorites!

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