Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of potatoes slowly cooking in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It reminds me of quiet Sunday afternoons, when the kitchen feels warm and the house fills with that unmistakable “something delicious is coming” aroma. This Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is one of those meals that feels like a hug — simple, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Growing up, scalloped potatoes were always reserved for special occasions. Holidays, family gatherings, or those rare evenings when everyone could sit down together without rushing. The combination of tender baked potatoes, savory ham, and rich cheese sauce always felt like comfort food at its finest. Now, using the slow cooker makes it even easier to bring that same feeling into everyday life.

What I love most about this easy Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is how effortlessly it fits into busy days. Just layer everything, turn on the slow cooker, and let time do the magic. No complicated steps, no constant stirring — just creamy, cheesy perfection waiting for you at dinnertime.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy potato recipe for dinner, a satisfying dish for the holidays, or simply a way to use leftover ham, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s warm, filling, and tastes like something that took hours of effort… even though it didn’t.

Why You’ll Love It

Incredibly easy to prepare

Just slice, layer, and let the crock pot work. Perfect for beginners or busy weeknights when time feels limited.

Ultra creamy and cheesy texture

Each bite is loaded with a rich sauce that coats every potato slice perfectly, creating the ultimate cheesy potato side dish.

Perfect way to use leftover ham

After holidays or family dinners, this recipe transforms leftover ham into something completely new and exciting.

Great for holidays and gatherings

This comforting dish fits beautifully on any table, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

Family-friendly comfort food

Kids and adults both love the creamy texture and mild flavors. It’s one of those recipes that disappears fast.

Minimal prep, maximum flavor

Simple ingredients create deep flavor as they slowly cook together for hours.

Ingredient Notes & Details

Potatoes

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Yukon Gold gives a buttery texture, while Russet creates a softer, classic scalloped potato feel. Slice evenly for consistent cooking.

Cooked ham

Use diced leftover ham, smoked ham, or even deli ham in a pinch. The saltiness balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but mild cheddar works for a softer taste. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Heavy cream

Creates the rich, silky sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Milk

Helps balance the richness of the cream and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds depth and warmth. Garlic powder can be substituted if needed.

Onion

Thinly sliced onion melts into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and flavor complexity.

Butter

Adds richness and helps create that classic baked potato recipe flavor.

Salt and pepper

Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and ham.

Paprika (optional)

Adds a light smoky warmth and beautiful color on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin rounds about 3 mm thick. Try to keep slices even so they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Grease the crock pot

Lightly butter the inside of the slow cooker to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Step 3: Create the first layer

Place a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Slight overlapping is perfectly fine.

Step 4: Add ham and onions

Sprinkle diced ham and sliced onions over the potatoes. Distribute evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Add cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer.

Step 6: Repeat layers

Continue layering potatoes, ham, onions, and cheese until all ingredients are used.

Step 7: Mix the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 8: Pour the sauce

Slowly pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. The liquid will sink into the layers as it cooks.

Step 9: Add butter

Dot small pieces of butter on top for extra richness.

Step 10: Cook slowly

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 11: Rest before serving

Turn off the crock pot and let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

FAQ for Common Questions

Can I make Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble everything the night before, store in the fridge, and start cooking the next day.

What are the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best because they become tender and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You can add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.

Why are my scalloped potatoes still firm?

They may need more cooking time. Slice potatoes thinly and allow enough time for slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, traditional scalloped potatoes sometimes do not include cheese, but the texture will be less creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this a low carb version?

You can substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a low carb scalloped potatoes alternative.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Allow to cool completely before storing.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or oven at 170°C until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Variations

Extra cheesy version

Add mozzarella or gouda for an ultra melty texture.

Garlic parmesan style

Replace cheddar with parmesan and increase garlic for bold flavor.

Spicy kick

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for gentle heat.

Herb infused

Add thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Loaded baked potato version

Top with sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon before serving.

Lighter version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Fresh salads

Crisp green salads balance the richness of this creamy dish.

Roasted vegetables

Carrots, asparagus, or green beans add texture and freshness.

Light soups

A simple vegetable soup pairs beautifully for a cozy dinner.

Holiday mains

Perfect alongside turkey, roast beef, or chicken for festive meals.

Bread

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread help soak up the creamy sauce.

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

This Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is the ultimate creamy comfort food. Tender sliced potatoes and savory ham are slow-cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. It’s an easy dump-and-go recipe, perfect for busy days, family dinners, or cozy meals everyone will love.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Main

• 900 g 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or russet)
• 2 cups cooked ham diced
• 1 small onion finely chopped

Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika (optiona

Instructions

• Prepare the slow cooker
• Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with butter or cooking spray.
• Slice the potatoes
• Cut potatoes into thin slices (about 3 mm / 1⁄8 inch thick).
• Try to keep slices uniform for even cooking.
• Make the creamy sauce
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
• Layer ingredients
• Place a layer of potatoes in the crock pot.
• Add some onion and ham.
• Pour a small amount of sauce over the layer.
• Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
• Cook
• Cover and cook:
• LOW for 6–7 hours
• HIGH for 3–4 hours
• Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
• Add final cheese
• Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top during the last 20 minutes.
• Cover and continue cooking until melted.
• Rest and serve
• Let sit 10 minutes before serving for best texture.