Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe because it’s such a delightful way to jazz up classic comfort food. The layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, savory ham, and that ooey-gooey cheese melted on top make every bite a little celebration on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or want to impress guests with something unique yet simple, this recipe fits perfectly.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the ham adds just the right salty punch to the creamy, cheesy potatoes without overpowering them. You’ll find that the thyme and smoked paprika add subtle warmth and depth that make this dish taste far more complex than the easy steps suggest. Trust me, it’s worth trying this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe anytime you want comfort food with an elegant twist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how straightforward the ingredient list is for this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe — all classic flavors that balance perfectly. When picking potatoes, grabbing fresh, firm russets is key to hold the stacks together nicely without going mushy.

• Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the muffin tin so stacks don’t stick and come out neatly.
• Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the creaminess.
• Half-and-half: Creates a creamy coating that keeps the potatoes tender without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme: Provides a fragrant herbal note that complements the smoky ham.
• Garlic powder: Simple seasoning to boost savory depth effortlessly.
• Kosher salt: Balances flavors perfectly; adjust to taste depending on your ham’s saltiness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kind of subtle heat.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a beautiful warmth and smoky undertone without overpowering.
• Russet potatoes: Thinly sliced, unpeeled for texture and rustic appeal.
• Deli ham: Cut into squares; its saltiness contrasts deliciously with the potatoes and cheese.
• Orange or yellow cheddar: Melts beautifully with a sharp, creamy flavor to finish the stacks.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish, adds a fresh bright note and lovely color contrast.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe your own — there’s room to tweak it based on what you have or your cravings. I love swapping in different cheeses or trying fresh herbs depending on the season.

• Cheese swaps: I sometimes use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a nuttier or creamier finish — each gives the stacks a slightly different vibe but just as tasty.
• Herb twists: Adding rosemary or sage instead of thyme creates a cozy, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with the ham.
• Meat variations: If you’re not a fan of ham, diced cooked bacon or Canadian bacon work great – I’ve tried both and love how they add smoky richness.
• Make it veggie: For a vegetarian take, omit ham and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra umami.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, get your oven heated to 350°F and place a rack in the center — that helps everything bake evenly. Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray so those stacks will slide out easily after baking.

Step 2: Coat the Potatoes in Flavor

In a large bowl, whisk together the Parmesan, half-and-half, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Then, add your thinly sliced potatoes and toss well until every slice gets a light coating of that flavor-packed mixture. This keeps the potatoes moist and infuses each layer with herbs and richness.

Step 3: Build Those Beautiful Stacks

Here’s the fun part: in each muffin cup, arrange 2 potato slices as a base, then top with a square of ham. Repeat layering with potatoes, then ham, four times total per stack before finishing with one last potato slice on top. Pour any remaining Parmesan mixture over and around the stacks — this adds a lovely cheesy sauce as it bakes. Cover tightly with foil to keep them steamy and tender.

Step 4: Bake and Add Cheddar

Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and around the stacks in the muffin cups. Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and gets golden brown at the edges. Let your stacks rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Use an offset spatula to gently lift each stack out of the muffin tin — they’ll hold their shape perfectly when properly cooked. Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens this indulgent dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by fresh parsley for garnish because it adds a lovely freshness and color contrast against the warm golden stacks. Sometimes, I like a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for a little extra creaminess and zing that complements the cheesy potatoes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans are also a favorite side of mine, adding a nice crunch and bright flavor to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these stacks on a large wooden board lined with parchment and garnished with fresh herbs around the edges— it doubles as both a beautiful centerpiece and a crowd-pleaser. You can also elevate presentation by serving stacks in individual mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic-chic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m reheating, I find they hold together best if warmed gently in the oven on a baking sheet instead of the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you wrap each stack individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When I freeze mine, I thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact and avoid sogginess.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent over-browning but keeping them warm and melty inside. This method really revives their fresh-from-the-oven taste better than the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to dishes when I want comfort food that’s both cozy and impressive. It’s a recipe that feels nostalgic with every bite but has a fresh, layered twist that makes it extra special. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the way the flavors come together to create something simple, yet so satisfying. I’m confident your family and friends will keep asking for seconds just like mine do!

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