Disgustingly Easy Crockpot Ham and Potatoes for Only $13

Listen, if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a recipe that’s both comforting *and* easy. And trust me, this crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes is IT! It’s seriously the ultimate “dump and forget” kind of meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I stumbled upon this little gem years ago when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the creamy, cheesy goodness of perfectly cooked potatoes paired with savory ham? Seriously, this crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes recipe is a total winner in my book, and I think it’ll be in yours too. And honestly, it’s so easy a toddler could almost make it. (Okay, maybe not *quite*, but you get the idea!)

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Okay, so why should you try this recipe? Let me tell you, there’s a bunch of reasons! Here are just a few:

• It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, layering ingredients in a crockpot is about as complicated as it gets!
• Talk about comfort food! Creamy, cheesy potatoes with savory ham? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Hello, leftovers! This makes a HUGE batch, which means easy lunches (or even another dinner!) for days.
• Perfect any time of year. It’s hearty enough for winter, but simple enough that you can whip it up any ol’ time you want some comfort food.
• Did I mention minimal cleanup? Just one crockpot to clean. That’s my kind of cooking.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t you worry, most of this stuff is probably already hanging out in your fridge or pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes:

• 3 lbs cooked ham, cubed: I usually grab a pre-cooked ham from the deli ’cause, well, I’m all about saving time. But leftover holiday ham? Even better! Just make sure it’s cubed, about 1-inch pieces are perfect.
• 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Russets are my go-to for this. And when I say thinly sliced, I mean THIN! Like, 1/8 inch thin. A mandoline slicer makes this so much easier, but be careful, those things are sharp! (Trust me, I know!)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Yellow or white onions work great. Again, the thinner the better! Nobody wants a huge chunk of onion in their creamy potato bite.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: I always use unsalted butter. That way, you can control the saltiness yourself.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken up the sauce, so it’s nice and creamy, not soupy!
• 3 cups milk: Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but 2% works just fine in a pinch.
• 1 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste, of course!
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, if you’ve got it!
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Just a touch for that extra little somethin’ somethin’.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you do you!

How to Make Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get this crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes show on the road. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, I promise! Just follow these steps and you’ll be golden.

1. Layer those potatoes! Grab your crockpot (a 6-quart or larger is ideal). Now, layer about half of those thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Think of it like building a cheesy, hammy potato foundation.
2. Onions and ham, oh my! Next, sprinkle half of your sliced onions over the potatoes. Then, top with half of that yummy cubed ham. Mmm, already looks good, right?
3. Repeat after me! Now, repeat those layers! The rest of the potatoes, onions, and ham. We’re layering pros at this point!
4. Sauce time! In a saucepan (medium heat, please!), whisk together that melted butter and all-purpose flour until it’s smooth. This is gonna be the base of our creamy sauce. Don’t worry if it looks a little gloopy at first.
5. Milk it! Gradually add in the milk, stirring *constantly*. Seriously, don’t stop stirring, or you’ll end up with lumps. Nobody wants lumpy sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens up. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
6. Season to perfection. Stir in your salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust if you think it needs a little extra somethin’.
7. Drench those layers! Pour that glorious sauce all over the potato and ham layers in the crockpot. Make sure everything is nice and coated.
8. Cheese, please! Sprinkle that cheddar cheese all over the top. Don’t be shy; we want a nice cheesy blanket.
9. Slow cookin’ time! Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender. (I like to test them with a fork.)

And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that? Get ready for some seriously delicious and comforting crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes. Enjoy! Oh, and be careful taking the lid off – hot steam escapes! Safety first!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let’s talk about some tips to really make this crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes shine. These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that’ll take it from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”

• Don’t skimp on the potatoes. Seriously, use a good quality potato like Russets or Yukon Golds. They hold their shape well and get that perfect creamy texture.
• Thin slices are KEY. I can’t stress this enough! Thick slices mean uneven cooking. Invest in a mandoline (carefully!) or just take your time and slice ’em thin.
• Cheese it up right. While cheddar’s a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Gruyere or a smoked Gouda would be amazing in this. Or, heck use a mix!
• Keep an eye on the cooking time. All crockpots are different. Start checking the potatoes around the 6-hour mark on low, or 3 hours on high. You want them tender, not mushy!
• Let it rest! Once it’s done, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit more, trust me.

Variations on This Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? I hear you! This crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes is super versatile, so feel free to get creative. Here are a couple of my favorite tweaks:

• Cheesy twist! Swap out some of the cheddar for Gruyere or Swiss cheese. It adds a nutty, yummy flavor, and who doesn’t love more cheese, am I right?!
• Veggie boost! Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when layering. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and add a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Alright, you’ve got this amazing crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes ready to go. But what should you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but a little something extra never hurt anyone, right? Here are a few quick and easy ideas:

• A simple green salad. Something fresh and crisp to balance out the richness.
• Steamed green beans. Easy peasy!
• Some crusty bread. Perfect for sopping up all that yummy sauce! You really can’t go wrong with a nice slice of bread to soak up all that flavor!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes… and maybe you have leftovers (if you didn’t eat it all in one sitting, that is!). Don’t worry, it keeps great! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually microwave it ’til it’s nice and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the oven (350°F/175°C) until warmed through. Careful, it’ll be hot!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes recipe. And hey, if you’re still scratching your head about something, just drop me a comment below! I’m always happy to help.

Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely! Russets are my go-to because they’re easy and reliable. But Yukon Golds are fantastic too! They’re a little creamier and hold their shape beautifully. Honestly, you could even try a mix for some extra texture. And if you want to go *really* wild, sweet potatoes would add a fun, sweet twist–it’s not traditional scalloped potatoes, but it could be delicious!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Technically, yes. *But* freshy grated cheese melts so much better! Those pre-shredded bags often have cellulose added to prevent clumping, and that can affect the meltiness. If you’re looking for that ooey-gooey goodness, grating your own is the way to go. And plus, your kids can help!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the layers ahead of time, then pour the sauce over just before you’re ready to cook it. I wouldn’t assemble the whole thing too far in advance, though, because the potatoes can start to discolor. A few hours is fine, but overnight is pushing it. No one wants brown potatoes!

What if my potatoes are still hard after the recommended cooking time?

Don’t panic! Every crockpot is different. If your potatoes aren’t tender, just keep cooking for another hour or so, checking them periodically. Resist opening the lid too often, though, because you’ll let out heat and slow down the cooking process.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads-up: all nutritional info is an estimate. Actual values depend on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s not an exact science! Consider this information just a general guide.

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