There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling, cheesy casserole dish emerging from the oven, especially on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece for a family gathering. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit in our household. The creamy, tender potatoes, punctuated by the savory ham and sweet bursts of peas, create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from casseroles, devoured a generous serving and asked for seconds! This recipe is not just easy to make, it’s also incredibly satisfying and versatile, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or a potluck contribution that’s sure to impress. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, reminding you of home-cooked goodness and shared meals around the table. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort, look no further than this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a handful of readily available ingredients, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a delicious meal. Let’s break down each component and explore why they work so well together in this comforting casserole:

2 boxes (4.7 oz each) Betty Crocker™ Scalloped Potatoes: The star of the show, these boxed scalloped potatoes are not just convenient, they provide a consistent base for our creamy dish. Using a boxed mix simplifies the process significantly, cutting down on prep time and ensuring that you have the essential potato slices and sauce mix ready to go. Betty Crocker™ is a trusted brand known for quality and flavor, making their scalloped potato mix a reliable choice. While some might prefer making scalloped potatoes from scratch, using a boxed mix is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights without compromising on taste. The dehydrated potato slices rehydrate beautifully in the creamy sauce, becoming tender and infused with flavor. The included sauce mix is also perfectly seasoned to complement the potatoes and other ingredients.
- Substitution and Variations: If you prefer to make scalloped potatoes from scratch, you’ll need about 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced. For the sauce mix, you can create your own creamy sauce using milk, cream, butter, flour, and seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. However, for the sake of speed and simplicity, especially for a weeknight meal, the boxed mix is highly recommended. You could also experiment with different brands of scalloped potato mixes if you have a preference. Consider using a mix with a cheese sauce base for an even richer flavor profile.
1 cup diced ham steak: Ham adds a wonderful savory and slightly salty element to the creamy potatoes. Ham steak, pre-cooked and readily available, is a fantastic choice for this recipe as it’s easy to dice and incorporates beautifully into the casserole. The smoky flavor of ham complements the creamy potatoes and sweet peas perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying taste. Using ham steak also ensures that the ham is cooked through and tender, requiring no additional cooking before being added to the dish.
- Substitution and Variations: If you don’t have ham steak on hand, you can easily substitute with other types of cooked ham. Diced leftover ham from a holiday dinner works wonderfully and is a great way to repurpose leftovers. You can also use cubed ham from the deli counter or even cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, salty alternative. For a leaner option, consider using diced cooked chicken or turkey breast. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham altogether or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add texture and flavor.
1 cup frozen sweet peas: Frozen sweet peas add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and a welcome burst of freshness to the rich and creamy casserole. Peas provide a textural contrast to the soft potatoes and ham, and their sweetness balances the savory flavors. Frozen peas are incredibly convenient as they require no thawing and can be added directly to the mixture. They cook quickly in the oven, retaining their bright green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Substitution and Variations: If you prefer fresh peas, you can certainly use them, but you might need to blanch them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through properly and retain their color. Canned peas can also be used in a pinch, but they tend to be softer and less flavorful than frozen or fresh peas. For other vegetable additions, consider using frozen mixed vegetables, corn kernels, or chopped broccoli florets. You can also add sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture for extra depth of flavor.
4 cups boiling water: Boiling water is essential for rehydrating the dehydrated potato slices in the boxed mix and for creating the creamy sauce base. Using boiling water ensures that the potatoes start cooking quickly and evenly in the oven. The heat from the boiling water also helps to activate the sauce mix, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Considerations: Make sure the water is truly boiling before adding it to the bowl to ensure proper hydration and cooking of the potatoes. Using cold or lukewarm water might result in unevenly cooked potatoes and a less creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is the key ingredient that elevates this dish from simple scalloped potatoes to luxuriously creamy scalloped potatoes. The high fat content of heavy cream contributes to a rich, velvety sauce that coats the potatoes and other ingredients beautifully. It adds a decadent touch and enhances the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.
- Substitution and Variations: For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and thick. For a dairy-free option, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, but be aware that these substitutions may alter the flavor profile slightly. For an even richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture.
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives: Fresh chives provide a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of fresh green color as a garnish. They add a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creamy potatoes and ham without overpowering the other flavors. Chives are best added at the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Substitution and Variations: If you don’t have fresh chives, you can substitute with fresh parsley, green onions, or even a sprinkle of dried chives. Dried herbs should be used sparingly as their flavor is more concentrated. You can also use other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add different flavor dimensions to the dish.
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese (4 oz): Shredded white Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy, and melty cheese element to the casserole. Cheddar cheese is a classic pairing with potatoes and ham, and its melting properties make it perfect for creating a golden brown and bubbly topping. White Cheddar offers a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow Cheddar, allowing the other flavors in the dish to shine through.
- Substitution and Variations: You can use other types of cheese depending on your preference. Yellow Cheddar will add a bolder cheese flavor and a more pronounced color to the topping. Monterey Jack cheese offers a milder, meltier option. For a sharper flavor, consider using Gruyere or Parmesan cheese. You can also create a cheese blend using a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block will result in better melting and flavor.

Instructions

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Each step is crafted to ensure success and delicious results. Let’s walk through the instructions in detail:

Step 1: Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Explanation: Preheating the oven to 450°F (232°C) is crucial for ensuring that the casserole bakes evenly and develops a golden brown, bubbly topping in a reasonable amount of time. A hot oven helps to cook the potatoes through and melt the cheese beautifully. Spraying a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray is essential to prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom and sides of the dish, making serving and cleaning much easier. A glass baking dish is recommended as it distributes heat evenly, but you can also use a ceramic or metal baking dish of similar size.
- Tips and Best Practices: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to the correct temperature before placing the casserole in the oven. You can use any type of cooking spray you prefer, such as olive oil spray, canola oil spray, or non-stick cooking spray. Ensure you spray the bottom and sides of the baking dish evenly for optimal non-stick performance.

Step 2: In large bowl, place both packages of potatoes and sauce mix (from scalloped potatoes boxes), the ham and frozen peas; pour boiling water and whipping cream over mixture, and stir. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the chives. Pour mixture into baking dish; spread evenly.

Explanation: This step is where all the main components of the casserole come together. Using a large bowl provides ample space for mixing all the ingredients without spillage. Combining the boxed scalloped potatoes, sauce mix, diced ham, and frozen peas in the bowl ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole. Pouring boiling water and heavy whipping cream over the dry ingredients is the key to creating the creamy sauce base and rehydrating the potato slices. Stirring the mixture thoroughly ensures that the sauce mix dissolves completely and coats all the ingredients evenly. Adding 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced fresh chives at this stage infuses the sauce with a subtle oniony flavor from the inside out. Pouring the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spreading it evenly ensures that the casserole cooks uniformly and each serving has a balanced mix of potatoes, ham, and peas.
- Tips and Best Practices: Use a large enough bowl to comfortably mix all the ingredients without making a mess. Make sure the boiling water is truly boiling to properly activate the sauce mix and cook the potatoes. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to avoid breaking up the potato slices too much. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly in the baking dish for even cooking.

Step 3: Sprinkle cheese over potato mixture. Bake 33 to 35 minutes or until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender. Let stand 5 minutes (sauce will thicken as it stands). Top with remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

Explanation: Sprinkling shredded white Cheddar cheese evenly over the potato mixture creates a delicious, cheesy topping that will melt and brown beautifully in the oven. Baking the casserole at 450°F for 33 to 35 minutes allows the potatoes to become tender, the sauce to thicken, and the cheese to melt and turn golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Letting the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld together. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly. Garnishing with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chives just before serving adds a final touch of fresh flavor and visual appeal.
- Tips and Best Practices: Sprinkle the cheese evenly to ensure a consistent cheesy topping. Monitor the casserole during baking and adjust the baking time if needed. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning. To check for potato tenderness, insert a fork into the center of the casserole – it should slide in easily without resistance. Allowing the casserole to stand for 5 minutes is important for achieving the desired sauce consistency, so don’t skip this step. Garnish with fresh chives just before serving for the best flavor and appearance.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful for making informed dietary choices. While the exact nutritional values can vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for our Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas recipe:

Servings: 8
Calories per serving (estimated): Approximately 450-550 calories.
- Breakdown (per serving, approximate):
  - Protein: 20-25g
  - Fat: 30-40g (primarily from heavy cream and cheese)
  - Saturated Fat: 20-25g
  - Cholesterol: 100-150mg
  - Sodium: 600-800mg (can vary significantly depending on the scalloped potato mix and ham used)
  - Carbohydrates: 30-40g
  - Fiber: 2-3g
  - Sugar: 5-7g
- Important Notes:
  - These are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, ham fat content, and cheese type.
  - This dish is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the heavy cream, cheese, and processed ham.
  - Portion control is important when enjoying this dish as part of a balanced diet.
  - To reduce calories and fat, consider using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, using reduced-fat cheese, and opting for leaner ham or chicken.
  - Adding more vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, can increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the dish.

For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

One of the great advantages of this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas recipe is its quick preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including baking and resting time)
- Time Breakdown:
  - Prep (chopping ham, gathering ingredients): 10 minutes
  - Assembly (mixing ingredients, pouring into dish): 5 minutes
  - Baking: 33-35 minutes
  - Resting: 5 minutes
- Efficiency Tips:
  - Use pre-diced ham steak to save time on chopping.
  - Keep frozen peas readily available in your freezer.
  - Have all ingredients measured and ready to go before you start assembling.
  - While the casserole is baking, you can prepare a side salad or set the table to maximize your time.

This recipe truly embodies the concept of a quick and easy yet satisfying meal, perfect for those times when you want a comforting home-cooked dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions and meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course:
- Weeknight Dinner: Perfect as a hearty and satisfying main course for a family weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Weekend Brunch: A delightful addition to a weekend brunch spread. Pair it with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a breakfast casserole for a comforting and flavorful brunch.
- Casual Gatherings: Ideal for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or picnics. It travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser.
As a Side Dish:
- Holiday Meals: A comforting and classic side dish for holiday meals like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. It complements roasted turkey, ham, or chicken beautifully.
- Sunday Roast: Serve alongside a Sunday roast beef, pork, or lamb for a hearty and traditional Sunday dinner.
- Grilled Meats: Pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or sausages. The creamy potatoes provide a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions for Enhancement:
- Fresh Salad: Serve with a light and refreshing green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or carrots make excellent side dishes that complement the flavors of the casserole.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra fresh chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal and added flavor.
- Protein Pairing: If serving as a side dish, consider pairing it with grilled or baked salmon, chicken breasts, or pork chops for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole and make the potatoes tough. Bake just until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Use Hot Water: Ensure the water is boiling hot when you pour it over the ingredients. This is crucial for properly rehydrating the potatoes and activating the sauce mix.
Stir Gently: When mixing the ingredients, stir gently to avoid breaking up the potato slices too much. You want them to remain intact for a pleasant texture.
Even Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potato mixture for a consistent cheesy topping in every bite.
Let it Rest: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting the casserole stand for 5 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a creamier and more flavorful dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce mixture before baking and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor. However, be mindful that the boxed sauce mix is already seasoned, so taste before adding more salt.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables besides peas. Frozen mixed vegetables, corn, broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
Cheese Variations: Explore different cheese options to customize the flavor profile. Try using a blend of Cheddar and Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for a meltier cheese topping.
Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating Instructions: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in individual portions. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it moist.

FAQ Section: Ingredients

Here are some frequently asked questions specifically focusing on the ingredients used in Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas:

Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of boxed scalloped potatoes?

A1: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. You’ll need about 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced. You will also need to make your own creamy sauce from scratch using milk, cream, butter, flour, and seasonings. While possible, using a boxed mix is a significant time-saver and ensures a consistent result, especially for a quick and easy meal.

Q2: What if I don’t have ham steak? Can I use other types of ham or meat?

A2: Absolutely! You can substitute ham steak with various cooked ham options like leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor. For a leaner option, cooked chicken or turkey breast works well. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Q3: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

A3: Yes, fresh peas can be used. Blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through and retain their color. Frozen peas are more convenient as they don’t require thawing and cook quickly in the oven.

Q4: Can I substitute heavy whipping cream with something lighter?

A4: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and thick. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream can be used, but these may alter the flavor slightly.

Q5: What other cheeses can I use besides white Cheddar?

A5: You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your preference. Yellow Cheddar will provide a bolder cheese flavor. Monterey Jack is a milder, meltier option. Gruyere or Parmesan will add a sharper flavor. You can also create a cheese blend using a combination of different cheeses for a more complex taste. Experiment and find your favorite cheese combination!