Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, comforting dish that’ll make any weeknight feel special. There’s something so satisfying about those layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese all baked together in perfect little stacks. When I first tried this, it quickly became a go-to for dinner parties or cozy family meals because it’s impressive yet surprisingly easy to pull off.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully when you want to use up leftover ham or just crave that warm, cheesy comfort food vibe. Plus, the fresh thyme and smoked paprika add this subtle depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. Honestly, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and visually cute, this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe is a winner every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of savory ham. Make sure to grab good-quality potatoes and flavorful aged cheeses for the best results.

• Cooking spray: Essential to keep the stacks from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded Parmesan adds sharpness and helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
• Half-and-half: Using half-and-half (instead of milk or cream alone) strikes the perfect balance of richness and lightness.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes and ham.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives just enough spice.
• Smoked paprika: A game-changer for adding that subtle smoky depth that makes the dish memorable.
• Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature helps the stacks hold together and become beautifully tender when baked.
• Deli ham slices: Cut into squares—choose quality ham for best flavor and texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded orange or yellow cheddar melts perfectly and adds creamy bite.
• Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle on top brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. You can personalize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

• Swap the Ham for Bacon: I tried crispy bacon once instead of ham, and my family went crazy for the smoky crunch it added.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute sliced mushrooms or roasted veggies for the ham and add extra cheese to keep it hearty.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or toss in some chopped jalapeños between the layers.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk instead of half-and-half—they melt differently but still deliver great flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by arranging a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 350°F. Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with cooking spray—this step is key to making sure your stacks release easily later on, trust me!

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the finely shredded Parmesan, half-and-half, fresh thyme, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This mixture is where your layers really start developing that wonderful flavor and creamy texture. Toss your potato slices into this bowl and coat them thoroughly; this helps infuse every slice with seasoning and richness.

Step 3: Assemble Your Gorgeous Potato & Ham Stacks

Now comes the fun part: layering! Place two potato slices into each muffin cup, then add a square of ham on top. Keep repeating with more potato slices and ham squares, building up four layers of potatoes and ham. Finish each stack with one last potato slice on top. Whisk your remaining Parmesan mixture again and pour it evenly around and over the stacks. Cover the entire pan tightly with foil to keep everything moist while baking.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Cheddar Finish

Bake your stacks covered for 35 minutes — this helps cook the potatoes through perfectly. Then remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each stack and the pan around them. Continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown beautifully around the edges. Let everything cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before you carefully lift out the stacks using an offset spatula.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once plated, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh flavor to cut through the richness. Those little stacks are just as pleasing to the eye as they are to your taste buds!

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple—a sprinkle of fresh parsley is my go-to because it adds that lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes I toss on a little chopped chive or even a tiny drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This cheesy scalloped potato & ham stack pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts for some brightness to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, I often serve it alongside sautéed green beans or a simple tomato salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve plated these stacks on individual small cutting boards or colorful plates to show off the layers. Adding a tiny ramekin of mustard or a flavored aioli on the side makes it extra festive and interactive for guests. Mini herb sprigs resting on top also up the presentation factor nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stacks in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat them again, I let them come to room temperature first to reheat evenly without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the stacks before adding the cheddar topping—this way, the cheese stays fresh and melts better when baked later. Wrap each stack tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stacks in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. If you want to crisp the cheese on top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. This keeps the potatoes tender and the cheese nicely melted.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort and elegance in such an approachable way. I enjoy making it when I want to impress my family without fussing over complicated steps, and it never disappoints. Give it a try on your next cozy night in—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious and memorable. Honestly, once you try these stacks, you might find yourself making them again and again!

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