Imagine tender slices of potato, savory ham, and sweet onions, all swimming in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, cooked slowly to perfection. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of Scalloped Ham and Potatoes in the Crock Pot. This incredibly easy side dish, or even a hearty main course, is worth every moment of anticipation as it simmers, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, sweet onions, delicious ham, and generous amounts of cheddar cheese are lovingly enveloped in a thick, creamy sauce, then slow-cooked until the potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is bubbling with cheesy goodness. It’s a quintessential comfort food that promises to be a perfect addition to any holiday table or a welcome sight on a busy weeknight.

While this slow cooker version offers unparalleled convenience, for those who appreciate a traditional golden-brown top, an oven-baked option is also fantastic. If you prefer the classic bake, try our creamy scalloped potatoes recipe, prepared in a 9×13 baking dish. It’s known for its rich, cheesy depth and that perfectly golden, bubbly crust you can only get from the oven.

Don’t reserve this magnificent dish solely for festive occasions! While these slow cooker scalloped potatoes with ham are undeniably a favorite alongside holiday feasts like Thanksgiving turkey or Easter ham, their comforting nature and effortless preparation also make them an ideal, satisfying meal for hectic weeknights. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty dish that required minimal fuss. What’s more, this recipe shines as a brilliant way to transform leftover holiday ham into a delicious, entirely new family favorite. Once the celebratory hustle and bustle have settled, repurpose that succulent ham into an easy, heartwarming dinner for the following day, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste.

One of the greatest advantages of making this delightful dish entirely in your crock pot is the liberation of your oven and stovetop. This means precious space and heating elements are kept free for your magnificent main course, allowing you to seamlessly prepare other beloved side dishes such as a classic green bean casserole, perfectly caramelized brussels sprouts, or a comforting batch of Jiffy cornbread with creamed corn. You’re going to adore the exquisite blend of flavors and textures in this crock pot scalloped potatoes recipe – from the tender, yielding potatoes to the rich, creamy cheese sauce punctuated by savory bits of ham. Be warned: once your family and friends taste it, you’ll find yourself being asked to make it again and again!

Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to achieving the perfect creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. This section provides detailed notes and substitution options to help you craft this delightful dish. You’ll find all precise measurements and instructions in the comprehensive recipe card at the conclusion of this post.

• Potatoes: We recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Both varieties are excellent for this dish. Yukon Golds are waxy and hold their shape beautifully while becoming wonderfully tender. Russet potatoes, with their higher starch content, will result in a slightly creamier, more “fall-apart” texture, which some prefer. Ensure they are peeled and sliced uniformly thin (about ⅛-inch thick) for even cooking and a delightful presentation. This consistent thickness is crucial for avoiding raw or overcooked potato slices.
• Cheddar Cheese: For the absolute best flavor and a superior melting consistency, we highly recommend grating your cheddar cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and slightly alter the taste. While technically this addition of cheese leans towards an au gratin potato style, we wholeheartedly agree that cheese makes everything better, elevating this dish to new levels of deliciousness!
• Cooked Ham: This recipe is a fantastic vehicle for utilizing leftover holiday ham, bringing its savory notes and texture to life in a new way. If you don’t have any cooked ham readily available, an 8-ounce ham steak is the perfect amount to dice and incorporate, providing that essential salty, smoky counterpoint to the creamy potatoes.
• Onion: Diced or thinly sliced onion adds a foundational layer of aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the tender potatoes and rich cream sauce. As the onions slowly cook down, they soften and release their subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This condensed soup serves as the ingenious shortcut for the base of our thick, creamy sauce. It entirely replaces the traditional béchamel (white sauce) that is typically made from scratch in scalloped potato recipes, significantly cutting down on prep time. Beyond convenience, it imparts a savory, umami-rich flavor that truly elevates the dish. For those who prefer a more homemade approach, a homemade cream of soup substitute can certainly be used, adjusted for mushroom flavor.
• Milk: A touch of milk is essential for thinning out the condensed soup, transforming it into a luxurious, pourable sauce that can seep between all the potato layers. You can use any kind of milk you have on hand – whole milk for extra richness, 2% milk for a lighter touch, or even a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-decadent result.
• Seasoning: A carefully chosen blend of minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper is all you need to bring out the best in these ingredients. Garlic adds a pungent warmth, thyme offers an earthy, aromatic note, and salt and pepper are fundamental for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Remember to taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Scalloped Ham and Potatoes in the Crock Pot

Preparing this comforting dish in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. Follow these step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful photos, to create perfectly tender and creamy scalloped potatoes with ham. For the full, detailed printable recipe, refer to the recipe card located further down this page.

Preparation Steps:

1. Grease Your Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the inside basin of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the cheesy potato layers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. First Layer of Potatoes: Carefully arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the greased slow cooker. Aim for a flat, consistent base.
3. Add Ham, Onions, and Cheese: Evenly distribute half of your chopped ham, diced onions, and a generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the first layer of potatoes. These vibrant additions will infuse every bite with savory flavor.
4. Repeat Layers: Create a second identical layer by repeating the previous two steps. Place the remaining half of the sliced potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the ham, onions, and cheese. This layering ensures a balanced distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.

5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This ensures a consistent, flavorful sauce.
6. Pour Over Layers: Gently and evenly pour the prepared soup mixture over the layered potatoes, ham, onions, and cheese in the slow cooker. Make sure the sauce is distributed as much as possible, allowing it to seep into all the crevices.

7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your crockpot. Cook the scalloped potatoes on the HIGH setting for approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker and the thickness of your potato slices. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the creamy sauce is bubbly and hot throughout.

8. Rest Before Serving: Once the cooking time is complete, turn off your slow cooker and remove the lid. It’s vital to let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken further and settle, making it easier to portion and ensuring it holds its creamy consistency. Skipping this step might result in a slightly “soupy” dish.

Storage and Reheating Made Easy

This savory dish is often even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy your leftovers to the fullest.

Refrigerator: To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, transfer any remaining scalloped ham and potatoes into an airtight container. They will safely store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes meal prepping or enjoying a quick lunch effortless.

Freezer: Freezing this dish is generally not recommended. Potatoes, especially when cooked in a creamy sauce, tend to become mealy and develop an undesirable texture upon thawing. The dairy-based sauce can also separate, affecting the overall consistency and appeal of the dish.

How to Reheat: For quick individual servings, you can easily reheat portions in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through. If you’re reheating a larger amount or prefer a crispier edge, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil (to prevent drying), and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated throughout and bubbly.

Creative Additions and Delicious Variations

This scalloped ham and potatoes recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor the dish to your taste and available ingredients:

• Swap the Protein: While ham is traditional, this dish is incredibly flexible. Try using crispy crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor, cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a leaner option, or even savory sausage (like breakfast sausage or Italian sausage) for a bolder taste. Each protein brings its own unique character to the creamy potatoes.
• Introduce Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a subtle warmth. For a more pronounced kick, finely dice a fresh jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) and layer it with the onions. This adds a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess.
• Experiment with Different Cheeses: Cheddar cheese provides a classic, sharp flavor, but don’t hesitate to venture into other cheesy realms. Try substituting half of the cheddar with grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty bite, or use Gruyere for a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth experience. A blend of cheeses can add wonderful complexity.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by incorporating other finely chopped vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be layered in with the potatoes and ham. Sautéing them lightly beforehand can enhance their flavor and ensure they cook through.
• Herbal Infusion: Beyond thyme, other herbs can add distinct aromas. A touch of rosemary or finely chopped fresh parsley stirred into the sauce can provide a lovely fresh lift.

More Irresistible Potato Side Dish Recipes

If you’re a fan of comforting potato dishes, explore some of our other popular recipes:

• Party Potatoes: A classic cheesy potato casserole, perfect for gatherings.
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory delight, ideal for holidays.
• Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes: A crispy, cheesy twist on a beloved comfort food.
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Quick, easy, and perfectly crispy potatoes every time.

Recipe

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Scalloped Ham and Potatoes in the Crock Pot

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:
20 mins

Cook:
3 hrs 30 mins

Total:
3 hrs 50 mins

These crockpot scalloped potatoes with ham are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it as a cozy side dish for the holidays or a satisfying main course on a busy weeknight, this easy slow cooker recipe is always a hit.

Servings:
8

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Ingredients

• 3 pounds Yukon gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cup chopped cooked ham
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half the ham, onions, and sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top.
3. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 – 4.5 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
6. Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid, and let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure they cook through uniformly. A mandolin is helpful.
• I recommend cooking on high for the best results. If you really want to cook on low you can do so for 6-7 hours.
• If I don’t have leftover ham, I just pick up an 8 ounce ham steak, which is the perfect amount of ham for the recipe.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 318 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 47mg
• Sodium: 781mg
• Potassium: 878mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 312IU
• Vitamin C: 16mg
• Calcium: 249mg
• Iron: 2mg

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