Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: Creamy, Cheesy, Comfort Food

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that pleases the whole family? Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is the answer. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheese sauce slow-cooked to perfection create a rich and satisfying dish perfect for dinner, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.

This recipe takes all the stress out of making a classic scalloped potato casserole. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, your kitchen stays cooler, and you can focus on prepping other dishes while the flavors meld together. The result is creamy, cheesy, and indulgent – a dish that disappears as fast as you serve it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce
   In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
2. Layer the potatoes and ham
   Spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom, then half of the ham, and sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded cheddar. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese.
3. Pour the sauce
   Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and ham. Cover the crock pot.
4. Cook the dish
   Cook on low for 6–7 hours, or until potatoes are tender and fully cooked. For faster cooking, use high for 3–4 hours, checking periodically.
5. Finish and serve
   Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve warm as a hearty main dish or side.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

• Uniform slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even potato slices so they cook consistently.
• Cheese variety: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• Make ahead: Assemble in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day for convenience.
• Extra creamy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the milk for richer sauce.

Variations

1. Vegetable twist: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms between the potato layers.
2. Spicy kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
3. Smoked ham: Use smoked or honey-glazed ham for extra flavor depth.
4. Make it cheesy: Add a layer of Parmesan or Swiss cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a crispy golden crust.

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes layered with ham, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy family-friendly meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced potatoes about 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder optional
• 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Crock-Pot
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Knife

Method

 

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Layer half of the potatoes, half of the ham, and 3/4 cup cheese.
4. Repeat with remaining potatoes, ham, and cheese.
5. Pour sauce evenly over the layers. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Stir occasionally if possible for even cooking. Add extra milk if needed for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
• Perfect for holidays: Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving make-ahead side.
• For a lighter option, serve in smaller portions as a side dish rather than the main course.

Fun Facts

Scalloped potatoes originated in France, often baked in a creamy sauce, and became popular in America as a comfort food staple. Combining them with ham adds protein and smoky flavor, turning a classic side dish into a filling one-pot meal. Using a crock pot modernizes this traditional dish, making it hands-off yet incredibly flavorful.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating if sauce has thickened.