Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham – A Cozy, Creamy, Comforting Classic

Some recipes feel like a warm hug on a chilly day—simple, familiar, hearty, and filled with the kinds of flavors that remind you of home. For many families, scalloped potatoes and ham is one of those dishes. It’s humble, comforting, and timeless, stretching back through generations. Now imagine taking that classic casserole and making it even easier by letting the slow cooker handle all the magic. That’s exactly what this crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham recipe delivers: layers of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, savory ham, and melted cheese, all slow-cooked until perfectly rich and satisfying.

If you’ve ever had traditional scalloped potatoes baked in the oven, you know the irresistible combination of soft, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in dreamy cream sauce. When ham enters the picture—especially leftover holiday ham—the dish becomes even heartier and more unforgettable. The slow cooker version captures all that flavor but requires hardly any effort. Slice potatoes, whisk a simple sauce, layer everything inside, and let the crock pot transform it into a bubbling, cozy masterpiece.

Slow cookers excel at dishes like this because they gently simmer the potatoes until they turn buttery soft without falling apart. That low, steady heat also gives the sauce time to thicken and infuse the potatoes with savory ham flavor, garlic, onions, and melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal you can set in the morning and return to hours later, greeted by the smell of creamy comfort.

This recipe is especially beloved around the holidays when leftover ham needs to be used creatively. Instead of another sandwich or soup, scalloped potatoes and ham turn scraps of meat into a full meal that feels festive and hearty. But don’t save this just for winter—it’s just as welcome on a regular weeknight, a Sunday supper, or as a potluck crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dig into everything you need to know to make this creamy crock pot favorite—from selecting the perfect potatoes to mastering the sauce.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Instructions:

1. Thinly slice potatoes (⅛-inch thick) using a knife or mandoline.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth.
5. Add salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Grease the crock pot with butter or spray.
7. Add a layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom.
8. Sprinkle with some onions, ham, cheddar, and mozzarella.
9. Pour a bit of sauce over the layer.
10. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
11. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
12. Potatoes are done when fork-tender and sauce is thick and creamy.
13. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Don’t skip slicing the potatoes thin—this ensures they cook evenly.
• For a thicker sauce, reduce broth by ¼ cup.
• For extra richness, add ½ cup grated parmesan between layers.
• If the sauce seems thin at first, let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

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Variations

• Cheesy Bacon Version: Replace ham with crispy bacon pieces.
• Loaded Potato Style: Add green onions, sour cream, and bacon on top.
• Broccoli Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes: Add cooked broccoli florets between layers.
• White Cheddar & Gruyère: Swap cheeses for a more elevated flavor.
• Ham & Corn Version: Add 1 cup frozen corn to the layers.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed green beans
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread

Perfect as a main dish or hearty side dish.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (texture softens slightly).
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave; add splash of cream if needed.

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FAQ

Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but they may break down more. Yukon golds hold shape better.

Can I skip the roux?
You can, but roux ensures the sauce thickens perfectly in the crock pot.

Can I add raw ham?
No—use cooked ham so it stays tender and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.

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History / Fun Facts

Scalloped potatoes date back centuries and have roots in European farmhouse cooking, where creamy layered potato dishes provided affordable nourishment. When paired with ham—a common protein preserved through smoking or salt-curing—the dish became a beloved classic in North American households. The slow cooker adaptation brings this tradition into the modern kitchen with convenience and consistent results.