Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham (Creamy Slow Cooker Comfort Food)

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Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is the definition of comfort food done right. Tender slices of potato slowly cook in a rich, creamy sauce, layered with savory chunks of ham and melted cheese — all in the convenience of your slow cooker. This is the kind of recipe that fills your home with the coziest aroma and delivers a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal effort.

Unlike oven-baked scalloped potatoes, the slow cooker method allows the potatoes to cook gently, soaking up flavor while staying perfectly tender. The sauce becomes silky and rich, the ham adds salty depth, and the cheese melts beautifully into every layer. It’s a classic dish that feels nostalgic, filling, and family-approved.

Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday leftovers, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham is easy to prepare and nearly impossible to mess up.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Recipe

  • Hands-off slow cooker method
  • Creamy, cheesy texture without constant stirring
  • Great way to use leftover ham
  • Feeds a crowd easily
  • Comforting, classic flavors

This dish works equally well as a hearty main course or a satisfying side dish, making it incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

Potato & Ham Layers

  • Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • Cooked ham, diced
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cheese

  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes
    Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick). Set aside.
  2. Make the Cream Sauce
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Layer the Slow Cooker
    Grease the crock pot. Layer potatoes, ham, onion, garlic, and cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
  4. Add the Sauce
    Pour cream sauce evenly over all layers, pressing gently so sauce seeps down.
  5. Slow Cook
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
  6. Rest Before Serving
    Let sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken before serving.

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Creamy slow cooker scalloped potatoes layered with savory ham and melted cheese for an easy, comforting dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Potatoes and Ham
  • 3 lb russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked ham diced
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Cream Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Cheese
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife or mandoline

Method
 

  1. Peel and thinly slice potatoes.
  2. Make cream sauce by whisking butter, flour, milk, and cream until thickened.
  3. Layer potatoes, ham, onion, garlic, and cheese in greased slow cooker.
  4. Pour sauce over layers and gently press down.
  5. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours until tender.
  6. Rest 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

  • Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
  • Use starchy potatoes like russets for best texture
  • Cook on LOW for the creamiest results
  • Let rest before serving so sauce thickens

Variations

  • Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or Gruyère
  • Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic
  • Lighter Version: Use all milk instead of cream
  • Veggie Add-In: Add peas or spinach at the end

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a green salad
  • Pair with roasted vegetables
  • Add crusty bread to soak up sauce
  • Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days
  • Reheat gently in microwave or oven
  • Freezes well in portions

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