Are you searching for a recipe for scalloped potatoes? Scalloped potatoes are a popular side dish, and can be converted to a main meal by learning how to make scalloped potatoes with ham. This recipe can be included as a simple family dinner on your weekly meal plan. Scalloped potatoes with ham is a relatively inexpensive, fairly easy meal to make and can make use of leftover ham. This casserole can also be served as part of a holiday meal.

Potatoes first reached North America in 1622, and began being cultivated in 1719. This root vegetable is the source of many frugal meals and can be prepared in a number of ways. The easily-grown vegetable can be served fried, mashed, baked or added to casseroles. http://www.bigsiteofamazingfacts.com/history-of-potatoes

Making homemade scalloped potatoes with ham demonstrates your culinary skills when you add it to a potluck dinner party table. This simple and affordable recipe makes an impression with both looks and taste, and doesn’t pinch the grocery budget too hard. Potatoes are more economical when purchased in season, but even out of season they can be less expensive than meat based casseroles. When meal preparation time is tight, consider this casserole recipe as a filling meal which can be assembled and cooked in less than one hour's time.

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut in 3/4 inch cubes (Can substitute red potatoes) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moms-Red-Scalloped-Potatoes/Detail.aspx
• 1 cup carrots, thin sliced or shreds
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
• 1/2 cup potato water (See ingredient note #1)
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (See ingredient Note #2)

Ingredient Notes:

1. Potato water can be replaced by regular water or broth of any type, but by using the potato water the flavor and nutrients of the potato (lost while boiling) are returned to the casserole. http://foodserviceblog.idahopotato.com/tag/scalloped/
2. Bread crumbs can be combined with a small amount of butter and cheese to form a crunchy topping. http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/scalloped-potatoes-with-crumb-topping/83421

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Boil potatoes and carrots together in salted water until tender but not mushy
3. Strain but save 1/2 cup of potato water
4. Heat oil over medium low heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
5. Gradually add potato water and milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens
6. Add cheese and stir constantly until completely melted and mixture is smooth. Watch the mixture closely as the oils in cheese can cause it to burn
7. Remove from heat
8. Mix sauce with potatoes and carrots. Add ham pieces and pour into greased 2 quart casserole dish
9. Sprinkle with Italian bread crumbs.
10. Bake for 30 minutes

Scalloped potatoes and ham can be prepared in many different ways. Each of the variations noted below contains a footnote corresponding to a reference link at the bottom of this guide page. Visit the reference link to view a recipe for the variation names.

1. Southern scalloped potatoes commonly do not include cheese. This creamy scalloped potato recipe relies on the flavor of the potato rather than supplementing ingredients.http://www.recipezaar.com/Southern-Scalloped-Potatoes-60160
2. Parmesan scalloped potatoes uses cream in lieu of the milk and potato water and grated parmesan cheese.http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1673167
3. For a sweet casserole, make scalloped potatoes from sweet potatoes and apples. Recipes commonly use brown sugar or maple syrup as ingredients. Ham and sweet potatoes complement each other in recipes. Use a standard scalloped sweet potato recipe and add up to 1 1/2 cups of ham to the potatoes. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Scalloped-Sweet-Potatoes-and-Apples/Detail.aspx
4. For an easy scalloped potato and ham recipe, eliminate the steps related to making the sauce and replace with cream of mushroom soup. http://www.grouprecipes.com/36392/scalloped-potatoes-and-ham.html
5. Scalloped potatoes and ham can be prepared in the microwave. http://kidscooking.about.com/od/sidedishes/r/easyscallopedpo.htm