Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham: 8 Min Bliss

Let me tell you about the *easiest* comfort food EVER: **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham**! Seriously, if you’re craving something warm and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen (who does, right?), this recipe is your new best friend. I used to make this in the oven, and it took *forever*. Plus, the potatoes were never quite as tender as I wanted. Then I tried it in my Instant Pot… GAME. CHANGER! This version is so creamy, so cheesy, and the ham adds just the right amount of salty goodness. Trust me, this **instant pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham** recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Okay, let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your weeknight hero! Seriously, I’m not kidding – even my pickiest eater *loves* this dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why:

• Super Easy: Dump, stir (a little!), and set it. The Instant Pot does all the work!
• Quick Prep: Forget hours of babysitting a casserole. This is ready in under an hour.
• Comfort Food Central: Cheesy, creamy potatoes with savory ham…need I say more? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
• Family-Friendly: My kids go crazy for this! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra potatoes (shhh!).

Honestly, the Instant Pot makes this recipe so much easier than the oven version. No more watching to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn or the potatoes aren’t still crunchy. It’s just perfect every. single. time!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, dreamy Instant Pot creation:

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick – I like using a mandoline for this!)
• 1 lb cooked ham, diced (leftover holiday ham is **perfect** here!)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (yellow or white, either works!)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (I use 2%, but whole milk makes it extra rich)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my fav!)

Make sure that ham is already cooked – we’re just warming it up and infusing all that yummy flavor into the potatoes! And pro-tip: shred your own cheddar. It melts SO much better than the pre-shredded stuff. Trust me on this one!

How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of cheesy, hammy goodness in no time!

1. First, grab your Instant Pot and **gently** layer in those sliced potatoes, diced ham, and sliced onion. Try to distribute everything evenly – it helps with the cooking!
2. Now, for the cheesy sauce! In a saucepan (medium heat, please!), melt the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly (careful, it splatters!), whisk in the flour. Keep whisking until it’s smooth – no lumps allowed! This is called a roux, and it’s what makes our sauce thick and creamy.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking *constantly*. Seriously, keep whisking! We don’t want any burnt milk at the bottom. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up – it should coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, add 1 1/2 cups of that glorious cheddar cheese. Stir, stir, stir until it’s all melted and smooth. Mmm, cheesy perfection!
5. Pour that cheese sauce right over the potato mixture in the Instant Pot. Make sure everything is coated!
6. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and set it to manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes. Once it’s done, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This is important! If you quick-release right away, you’ll end up with a cheesy volcano.
7. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
8. Open the lid and give it all a gentle stir. Now, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Let it stand for a few minutes so that cheese can melt and everything can come together.
9. Serve it up! Woohoo!

That’s it! Seriously, wasn’t that easy? Get ready for some serious comfort food!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Okay, wanna take this dish from “good” to “OMG-amazing?” Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham** perfection:

• Potato Slicing is Key: Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Too thick, and they won’t cook evenly. Too thin, and they’ll turn to mush. A mandoline slicer makes this a breeze (and saves your fingers!).
• Cheese-Melting Magic: Stirring in the last half cup of cheese *after* pressure cooking makes it extra melty and gooey. Don’t skip that step!
• Prevent Sticking: Okay, this is important! Before adding the potatoes, spray the bottom of your Instant Pot insert with non-stick cooking spray. Or, even better: a little butter rubbed on the bottom does wonders!
• Natural Pressure Release, Don’t Skip It: I Know waiting is torture, but let that Instant Pot naturally release pressure for a full 10 minutes. It gives the potatoes time to finish cooking and prevents a cheesy explosion!

Seriously, these little tweaks make a HUGE difference! You’ll be amazed at how creamy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked your Instant Pot scalloped potatoes and ham turn out. Happy cooking!

Variations for Your Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe (awesome!), but what if you want to mix things up a bit? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! This **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham** recipe is super versatile. Here are a few fun twists to try:

• Cheese, Please! Swap out the cheddar for Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick!
• Veggies Galore! Throw in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas along with the potatoes. Just remember, don’t overfill the Instant Pot!
• Meat-Lovers Unite! Not a ham fan? No problem! Try using cooked and crumbled bacon, diced sausage, or even ground beef. If you’re using ground beef, you might find some inspiration from these easy ground beef recipes.
• Spice It Up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!

Seriously, get creative! The best part about cooking is experimenting and making it your own. So, go ahead, put your spin on this classic dish!

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Okay, so you’ve got this AMAZING pot of **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham**, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got some ideas! This dish is pretty rich, so you’ll want something to balance it out. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, how about some steamed green beans or roasted asparagus? For extra flavor, serve this amazing garlic parmesan broccoli! Crusty bread is also great for soaking up all that yummy cheese sauce. Honestly, anything that adds a bit of freshness and crunch will work perfectly. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham** is just as yummy the next day (or even the day after!). To store it, just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Again, let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating is super easy. For refrigerated leftovers, you can microwave it (covered, please!) until heated through. Or, for a crispier top, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Got questions about making this cheesy delight? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my **Instant Pot cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham**:

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! Russet potatoes are classic, but Yukon Golds work great too – they’re extra creamy! Just avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes; they don’t get as tender in the Instant Pot.

How long does it *really* take to cook?

Okay, so the cook time is 8 minutes, but remember to factor in the time it takes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure (usually 10-15 minutes) and the 10-minute natural pressure release. So, start to finish, it’s closer to 35-40 minutes. Still way faster than the oven!

What if I don’t have ham? Can I substitute something else?

Totally! Cooked bacon or sausage are amazing substitutes. You could even use leftover shredded chicken or turkey. Get creative! Just make sure whatever you use is already cooked.

My cheese sauce isn’t thickening up! What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re whisking constantly and that your heat isn’t too high. The key is to cook the roux (butter and flour) for a minute or two before adding the milk – this helps thicken it up. If it’s still not thickening, whisk in a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) at the end.

Can I use this recipe in a different brand of pressure cooker?

Yep! As long as it’s an electric pressure cooker, it should work just fine. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it the first time you make it. In general, most electric pressure cookers should behave very similarly to my Instant Pot! Just follow the same steps, and you’ll be golden.

Disclaimer

Please remember: Nutritional information is an estimate only! It can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, so it’s not a precise calculation.

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