Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
When the weather cools down and comfort food cravings rise, nothing satisfies quite like a warm, creamy, cheesy potato dish straight from the slow cooker. Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is one of those timeless family favorites that has been passed down from generation to generation — and for good reason. It’s hearty, cozy, budget-friendly, and unbelievably simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner with minimal prep, a dish to use up leftover holiday ham, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this slow-cooked classic checks every box.
This recipe transforms just a handful of basic ingredients — sliced potatoes, diced ham, onions, and a luxuriously creamy homemade sauce — into a warm, comforting dish that tastes like it simmered on the stovetop for hours. But instead of hovering over a pan or tending to the oven, you simply layer everything into your Crock Pot, set it, and walk away. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth casserole enriched with savory ham, soft and tender potatoes, and a smooth, well-seasoned cream sauce that ties everything together.
In this long-form recipe guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: the essential ingredients, expert tips, variation ideas, serving suggestions, and even solutions to common mistakes like watery sauce or unevenly cooked potatoes. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof, ultra-creamy slow cooker recipe worthy of any dinner table.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cookers create a gentle, even heat that allows potatoes to break down gradually while absorbing the flavors of onions, cream, cheese, and ham. Unlike oven-baked scalloped potatoes, you won’t risk burning the top or undercooking the center. This slow and steady method creates irresistibly soft potato layers and a sauce that thickens naturally over time.
The combination of starch from the potatoes and a simple butter-flour roux ensures the sauce stays rich and silky rather than separating. Ham adds a salty, smoky edge, making this dish taste like it’s been slow-simmered in a holiday kitchen.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch pieces. Try to keep slices uniform for even cooking.
2. Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Heat until slightly thickened.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Lightly grease the inside of your Crock Pot. Start with a layer of potatoes, then sprinkle with onions, ham, and cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
4. Pour the Sauce
Slowly pour the warm cream mixture over the layered potatoes and ham. Spread gently to ensure even coverage.
5. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is creamy and thick.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve warm. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools slightly.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Use the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes give the creamiest texture because of their high starch content, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better and offer a buttery flavor. Either works well — choose based on your preference.
Slice Evenly
A mandoline makes potato slicing effortless and ensures all pieces are the same thickness. Even slices = even cooking.
Pre-Thicken the Sauce
Don’t skip the roux. Slow cookers create steam, which can make sauces watery. The roux helps the sauce maintain body and cling to the potatoes.
Avoid Over-Salting
Ham is already salty, so taste the sauce before adding more salt.
Layer Carefully
Distribute the ham and onions evenly so every portion has a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Variations
Cheesy Loaded Version
Add mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a more decadent, melty finish.
Herb-Infused
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives for a fragrant, earthy twist.
Smoked Ham & Gouda
Swap cheddar for smoked gouda to enhance the smoky flavor of the ham.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Try adding:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Frozen peas
- Broccoli florets
- Spinach
These additions boost nutrition without compromising flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and prepare the sauce the same way.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This dish is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Green beans or asparagus
- A simple garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Dinner rolls or cornbread
- Fruit salad for a lighter contrast
For holidays, it’s an ideal complement to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef roast.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for 2–3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 1-minute intervals, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof slow cooker method
- Uses inexpensive ingredients
- Perfect for leftover ham
- Family-friendly
- Creamy, cheesy, comforting goodness
- Great for holidays, weeknights, or potlucks
Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and thinly slice potatoes into 1/8-inch slices.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season sauce with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer potatoes, ham, onions, and cheese in greased Crock Pot.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
- Pour cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours until tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
