Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock-Pot is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You know that feeling when you find a recipe so good, so easy, and so comforting that you want to shout it from the rooftops?
Well, friends, just like my recipe for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, this is one of those recipes!
Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender potatoes and savory ham, it’s my go-to dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday potlucks. And the best part? Your Crock-pot does all the work while you can kick back and relax. Trust me—this one’s a keeper.
Jump to:
- Why I love this recipe (and you will, too!)
- Ingredient notes and substitutions
- How to Make Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot
- Serving and menu suggestions
- Recipe variations
- How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Recipe FAQs
- Top tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
- More main dish Crock-Pot and slow cooker recipes
- 📋 Recipe:
Why I love this recipe (and you will, too!)
- This slow cooker recipe has been a lifesaver in my kitchen. The first time I made it was during a hectic holiday season, when my refrigerator was crammed with leftovers and who knows what else.
- I tossed the leftover ham and some sliced potatoes into the crock pot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. When I removed the lid and saw the bubbling cheese and perfectly tender potatoes, I knew I had hit the jackpot. And, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
- Now, like my oven-baked au gratin potatoes and ham recipe, it’s a family favorite. My husband loves it, and I love how easy it is. Let’s just say there are never any leftovers when it’s on the table.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Potatoes: I like using baking potatoes for this recipe because they hold their shape well. If you’ve got Yukon Golds hanging around, they work beautifully too and add a little extra creaminess.
- Ham: This is my favorite way to use up leftover holiday baked ham or grilled ham steak. When I don’t have any, I just grab a single ham steak from the store and dice it up.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to combo, but sometimes I’ll throw in Gruyere if I’m feeling fancy or use an Italian blend for a different flavor.
- Butter, onions, flour, and milk: Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, finely diced onions, and whole milk give the rich, creamy sauce tons of flavor. Substitute a little heavy cream for part of the milk if you really want to make it decadent.
- Salt and pepper: enhance all the flavors and bring them together.
Complete measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then cook onions until soft and golden. This step smells like heaven and sets the stage for the creamy sauce. Stir in the flour, toast it for a couple of minutes, and whisk in the milk. Cook for another minute or so until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper.
- This is where the magic happens. Spray your crock pot with nonstick spray, then #1, add half the potatoes, #2 ham, and # 3 cheese. Pour over half the #4 sauce, and repeat with the rest. It’s like making a cheesy, potato-y ham lasagna—what’s not to love?
- Cover the crock pot with a double layer of paper towels (this prevents moisture from dripping back on the scalloped potatoes and keeps them from getting watery or soupy), slap the lid on, and let it cook.
- The sweet spot for potatoes sliced ⅛ inch thick is three to four hours on high. However, all crock pots and slow cookers cook differently, and if your potatoes are thicker or thinner than ⅛ inch, they may take more or less time.
- Be sure to test your potatoes with a fork before digging in. The fork should slide through the potato slices easily.
Serving and menu suggestions
Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a random weeknight. I like to serve it with American coleslaw, garlic parmesan green beans, and a slice of buttermilk cornbread or herb and cheese bread.
Recipe variations
- Bacon lovers scalloped potatoes: Swap the ham for crispy crumbled bacon or pancetta. Sprinkle some extra bacon on top before serving for added crunch.
- For a cheesy garlic delight: Add minced garlic to the onion mixture when making the sauce. For a flavorful upgrade, toss fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives.
- Veggie boost: If you want to sneak in some veggies, English peas, sliced mushrooms, or broccoli make great additions.
- Sweet and savory: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, and sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg into the sauce for a sweet and savory version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave with a sprinkle of water over the top for about a minute or warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Assemble everything in the crock pot the night before (make sure the potatoes are covered with sauce), pop it in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning.
Sure! Sweet potatoes cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
You can substitute cooked breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, bacon, or even rotisserie chicken.
Top tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
- Even slices: Uniform potato slices are the key to even cooking. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here. I like and use a small handheld mandoline, which is set to slice my potatoes an eighth of an inch thick.
- Cheese upgrade: While many recipes recommend skipping the pre-shredded cheese and using hand-grated instead, I have found that the pre-shredded stuff works fine in this recipe.
- Sauce coverage: Make sure the sauce covers all the potatoes so every bite is creamy and delicious.
More main dish Crock-Pot and slow cooker recipes
This recipe has become my secret weapon for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit. So grab your Crock-pot, and let’s make some magic happen—your taste buds will thank you!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Did you make this recipe? I’d be thrilled to hear what you thought! Did you add your own twist or have a tip to share? Drop a comment below—I read every one—and don’t forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others find and perfect this recipe.
Thanks for stopping by Grits and Pinecones! Your visit means the world to me. I hope you’ll swing back soon for more Southern-inspired goodness. 💛
📋 Recipe:
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Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Crock-Pot or slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound potatoes, washed and thinly sliced into ⅛ inch slices (about 3 medium baking potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups cooked cubed ham
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack Cheese
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then cook onions until soft and golden. This step smells like heaven and sets the stage for the creamy sauce. Stir in the flour, toast it for a couple of minutes, and whisk in the milk. Cook for another minute or so until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper.
- This is where the magic happens. Spray your crock pot with nonstick spray, then add half the potatoes, ham, and cheese. Pour over half the sauce, and repeat with the rest. It’s like making a cheesy, potato-y ham lasagna—what’s not to love?
- Cover the crock pot with a double layer of paper towels (this prevents moisture from dripping back on the scalloped potatoes and keeps them from getting watery), slap the lid on, and let it cook.
- The sweet spot for potatoes sliced ⅛ inch thick is three to four hours on high. However, all crock pots and slow cookers cook differently, and potatoes that are thicker or thinner than ⅛ inch may take more or less time.
- Be sure to test your potatoes with a fork before digging in. The fork should slide through the potato slices easily.
Krysta Bazyk
Can I cook this on low?
Sharon Rigsby
This recipe for Ham & Scalloped Potatoes is pure comfort food! I love that you can use leftover ham and it’s an easy dinner the whole family will love!
Sharon
I don’t see if this is cooked on high or low. Please clarify.
Sharon Rigsby
Hi Sharon, it’s 3-4 hours on high. I hope you enjoy it!
All the best,
Sharon