Scalloped Potatoes With Smoked Ham

This hearty scalloped potato dish combines thinly sliced baking potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce infused with leeks, onions, and smoked ham. The layers bake until tender and golden, creating a comforting casserole that is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. The subtle sweetness of the leeks balances the smokiness of the ham, while the flour-thickened milk sauce ensures every bite is luscious. Its a satisfying, home-style main that brings warmth to the table and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 8

Calories: 93.2

Dietary: Low-fat

Description

This hearty scalloped potato dish combines thinly sliced baking potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce infused with leeks, onions, and smoked ham. The layers bake until tender and golden, creating a comforting casserole that is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. The subtle sweetness of the leeks balances the smokiness of the ham, while the flour-thickened milk sauce ensures every bite is luscious. Its a satisfying, home-style main that brings warmth to the table and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Ingredients

1 pound Leeks -- 5 small
1/4 cup Water
1 cup Onions -- sliced
1/2 lb Ham, extra lean -- coarsely chopped
1/2 ts Pepper
1/2 ts Thyme
3 lb Baking potatoes -- peeled
2/3 c All-purpose flour
1 qt Lowfat 1% milk
1 tb Chopped parsley -- fresh

Directions

1
Heat oven to 350F (177C).
2
Coat a 13x9 inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
3
Discard the green portions of the leeks; slice the white portions lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into slices.
4
Rinse leeks well to remove all sand, then drain.
5
Heat water in a Dutch oven or nonstick skillet over high heat.
6
Add leeks, sliced onions, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss to coat well.
7
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until leeks and onions are tender, about 10 minutes.
8
Stir in chopped ham, 3/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and thyme.
9
Cook uncovered over medium-high heat, stirring, until liquid is evaporated and leeks and onions are golden.
10
Meanwhile, slice potatoes thinly.
11
Place flour in a large bowl; gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
12
Gradually stir the milk mixture into the leek-onion mixture.
13
Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly until thickened; boil for 1 minute.
14
Spoon 1/2 cup of the milk mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
15
Top with half of the sliced potatoes.
16
Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the potatoes.
17
Arrange the remaining potatoes on top and cover with the remaining sauce.
18
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 1/4 hours.
19
Sprinkle with parsley and bake uncovered for 15 minutes more, until potatoes are tender.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 93.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 47.8mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 21.5g8%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g13%
Sugars 8.2g
Protein 2.5g5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure leeks are rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit trapped between the layers.

For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk instead of low-fat milk, though this will increase the calorie content.

If the top browns too quickly during the final 15 minutes of baking, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, smoked ham, leeks, comfort food, casserole, creamy potatoes, holiday side, family dinner, baking, onions, thyme, potato casserole, ham and potatoes, low fat, vegetable spray, make ahead, oven baked, parsley garnish, thickened milk

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/scalloped-potatoes-with-smoked-ham-2/