The Ultimate Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Made Easy

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal that brings the whole family together, especially when it’s packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness. This simple scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is the epitome of comfort food, featuring layers of tender potatoes, rich ham, and an irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a hearty dish that satisfies every time, perfect for chilly evenings or a fulfilling family dinner.

My secret to making these slow cooker scalloped potatoes and ham truly exceptional lies in combining cheddar cheese soup with heavy cream. This dynamic duo not only creates a wonderfully thick and velvety sauce but also amplifies that desired cheesy flavor to a “yum! finger-licking good” level. Prepare yourself for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Gina’s Recipe Rundown:

Texture: Imagine fork-tender potatoes, perfectly cooked, mingling with succulent, bite-sized cubes of ham, all enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sauce. Each spoonful offers a delightful mouthfeel that defines true comfort food. If this isn’t the ultimate comfort food experience, I don’t know what is!

Taste: The harmonious blend of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a flavor profile that is perfectly balanced and incredibly rich. Every element melts in your mouth, leaving a deeply satisfying and unforgettable taste.

Ease: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. It’s an effortless take on potatoes au gratin, requiring minimal prep time. Simply “dump and go” – layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and come back to a delicious dinner ready for the whole family.

Why I love it: Beyond its incredible taste and simplicity, these scalloped potatoes with ham are one of my absolute favorite dinners. They pair beautifully with a crisp side salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal that never disappoints.

Creamy and Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to enjoy during the cooler winter months or a clever way to repurpose leftover ham after holiday feasts like Easter, I can confidently promise that this main dish will quickly become an easy go-to dinner for your weekly rotation. Its versatility and ease make it a standout choice for any busy household.

I truly adore scalloped potatoes in all their forms, and this recipe is no exception. If you’re a fan too, I highly recommend exploring some of my other beloved variations. Be sure to try my equally delicious easy scalloped potatoes for a classic take, or elevate your meal with my scalloped potatoes with bacon. For a heartier option, my pork chops and scalloped potatoes recipe offers another delightful combination that’s sure to please.

Slow Cooker Side Dish: Creamy Ham and Potatoes

Table of Contents

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Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Notes
Kitchen Equipment
How To Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
Storage
Substitutions & Variations
Expert Tips To Make The Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
Popular Questions

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Recipe

This Scalloped Ham and Potatoes recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe collection:

Unforgettably Delicious Comfort: At its heart, this is a dish of delicious scalloped potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and bubbling cheddar cheese is pure bliss, creating a comforting experience with every bite.
Perfect for Leftovers (or Not!): It’s an ingenious way to use any leftover ham from holiday meals, transforming it into something new and exciting. But don’t wait for leftovers! You can absolutely make this with store-bought cooked ham or freshly prepared ham, ensuring it’s accessible anytime you crave it.
A Family Favorite, Guaranteed: My family absolutely adores this dish, and I’m confident yours will too! Even the pickiest eaters seem to light up at the sight of this creamy, hearty crock pot potato casserole. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser that minimizes mealtime negotiations.
Effortless Make-Ahead Meal: Life gets busy, but delicious meals don’t have to be a struggle. This is a quick and simple make-ahead meal for even the busiest weeknights. Just load your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, set the timer, and come home to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner after work. Plus, it only requires 6 core ingredients (not counting salt and pepper!), making grocery shopping a breeze.
Even Better the Next Day: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! This casserole often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch or another easy dinner.

Key Ingredients for Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes starts with selecting quality ingredients. Below, you’ll find details on each component, including tips for the best results. For exact quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Potatoes: I typically use peeled and thinly sliced potatoes for a consistent, tender texture. However, if you’re using young, fresh harvest potatoes, their thin skin allows for the option of using them unpeeled, which can add a delightful, subtle texture to the dish. For this potato dish, the best varieties are typically Yukon Gold, Idaho, or Russet potatoes. These varieties are favored for their buttery, starchy nature and rich flavor, yet they hold their shape beautifully without becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
Onion: Freshly sliced onion adds a foundational aromatic layer that enhances the overall savory depth of the casserole. While fresh is always my preference for its vibrant flavor, onion powder can be used in a pinch as a convenient substitute.
Cooked Ham: This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it ideal for utilizing cooked ham leftovers from holidays, such as Easter ham, or a savory spiral ham. Any type of pre-cooked ham works wonderfully! If you’re using ham that was previously frozen, remember to thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator before dicing and adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For the ultimate melty, cheesy experience, I always recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder their melt and sometimes affect the sauce’s texture. A block of sharp or mild cheddar, freshly shredded, makes all the difference in achieving that rich, gooey perfection in your cheddar cheese sauce.
Cheddar Cheese Soup: This is truly my secret ingredient! A can of cheddar cheese soup is key to creating an ultra-cheesy and incredibly thick sauce that beautifully coats every slice of potato and piece of ham. It provides a shortcut to depth of flavor and creamy consistency.
Heavy Cream: To achieve that luxurious, rich, and creamy sauce that defines this comfort food classic, heavy cream is essential. While you *can* use milk, I find it tends to make the sauce too thin and potentially runny, lacking the desired indulgent texture. Heavy cream ensures a luscious and perfectly thickened sauce.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your personal taste, remembering that ham can be quite salty, so taste as you go.

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

To make this creamy and comforting dish a success, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools. The beauty of a slow cooker meal is often its simplicity in terms of equipment required.

6-Quart Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): This is the star of the show! A 6-quart capacity is ideal for this recipe, comfortably accommodating all the layers of potatoes, ham, and sauce, ensuring even cooking and enough servings for a family.
Optional Slow Cooker Liner: For an even quicker and easier clean-up, consider using a slow cooker liner. These liners fit inside your Crock Pot and prevent food from sticking, making the post-dinner wash-up almost effortless.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Essential for lightly greasing the slow cooker insert, especially if you’re not using a liner. This helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and sides during the long cooking process.
Sharp Knife, Food Processor with Mandoline Slicer Attachment, or Standalone Mandoline Slicer: Achieving uniformly thin potato slices is key for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. A sharp knife works, but a mandoline slicer (either standalone or as a food processor attachment) makes this task significantly faster and ensures consistent thickness, which is important for perfectly tender scalloped potatoes.
Large Bowl: Useful for holding your sliced potatoes in ice water.
Small Mixing Bowl and Whisk: For combining the cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream into a smooth, creamy sauce before pouring it over the layers.

Step-by-step: How to make Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

How To Make The Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Preparing this hearty slow cooker dish is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for busy schedules. Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously creamy and cheesy Scalloped Ham and Potatoes casserole:

Prep work: Start by carefully peeling your chosen potatoes (if desired) and slicing them thinly and uniformly. Aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick – this ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of ice water immediately after slicing to prevent them from browning. Next, dice your cooked ham into bite-sized cubes. Finally, shred your cheddar cheese from the block; this step ensures the best melt and flavor for your sauce.

1: Layering the Ingredients for Optimal Flavor and Texture

Layering is key to ensuring every bite of your scalloped potatoes is bursting with flavor and evenly cooked. This method distributes the ingredients and sauce beautifully.

Prepare the Cooker: Begin by spraying the interior of your slow cooker insert lightly with cooking oil. This essential step helps to prevent the potatoes and sauce from sticking to the sides and bottom during the long cooking time, making cleanup much easier. If you’re using a slow cooker liner, you can skip this step.
First Layer: Carefully add half of your thinly sliced potatoes to the bottom of the cooker, spreading them into an even layer. Follow with half of the sliced onion, then half of the diced ham, and finally, sprinkle about one-third (⅓) of the shredded cheddar cheese over these ingredients.
Seasoning: Lightly sprinkle this layer with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that your ham may already be salty, so season judiciously.
Repeat Layers: Create a second identical layer by adding the remaining half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the rest of the onion, the remaining ham, and another third (⅓) of the shredded cheese.
Final Potato Layer: Conclude the layering with the last of the sliced potatoes, creating a smooth top surface for the sauce.

2: Crafting and Adding the Rich, Creamy Sauce

This simple sauce is what elevates the dish from good to truly incredible, infusing every component with cheesy, savory goodness.

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the can of cheddar cheese soup and the heavy cream until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This ensures a consistent and lump-free sauce that will evenly coat your layers.
Pour and Top: Carefully pour the whisked creamy sauce evenly over the top of the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure it seeps down between the potato slices. Then, sprinkle the final third (⅓) of the shredded cheese over the top of the sauce. This top layer of cheese will melt into a delicious, bubbly crust as it cooks.

3: Slow Cook to Perfection and Serve

Now for the easiest part: letting your slow cooker do all the work! The gentle, consistent heat will transform your ingredients into a tender, flavorful masterpiece.

Slow Cooking: Secure the lid onto your slow cooker. Cook the scalloped ham and potatoes on the “low” heat setting for approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can cook it on the “high” setting for about 4 hours. It’s a good idea to check for potato tenderness after 4 hours when cooking on high, as some slow cookers can run hotter and cooking times may vary slightly. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
Garnish (Optional): Once cooked, if you desire a fresh burst of flavor and color, you can top the hot scalloped potatoes with finely sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or cilantro just before serving.
Serving Suggestion: While your Scalloped Ham and Potatoes are slow cooking, take a moment to prep a simple side dish to accompany this rich main course. A light, fresh green salad, some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even roasted asparagus will be just perfect to round out your meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

This Scalloped Ham and Potatoes dish is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage ensures its deliciousness lasts for days.

Refrigeration: Any leftover portions should be transferred to an airtight container and promptly refrigerated. When stored correctly, your creamy scalloped ham and potatoes will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days. It’s important to cool the dish completely before sealing and refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain food safety.

Reheating:

Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave is your quickest option. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Stir halfway for even heating.
Oven: To reheat a larger quantity or if you prefer a slightly crispier topping (which is harder to achieve in a slow cooker, but still possible with reheating), cover the leftovers in an oven-safe dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a hint of crispiness, remove the foil for the last few minutes.
Slow Cooker (for larger batches): If you have a substantial amount of leftovers and prefer to reheat them gently, you can return them to the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for 1-2 hours, or “low” for about an hour, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too dry.

Layering ingredients for creamy Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Exciting Substitutions & Variations for Your Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

One of the joys of this Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to customize it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

Protein Play: While ham is a classic, you can easily change it up with different kinds of ham or other cooked meats. Consider diced smoked sausage, cooked chicken, or even leftover shredded turkey for a unique twist.
Cheese Choices: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! You can use white cheddar, mild, or sharp cheddar cheese for varying degrees of tang and creaminess. For a gourmet touch, try a mix of cheeses by adding Monterey Jack for extra melt, mozzarella for stretch, or Gruyere for a nutty, complex flavor. Parmesan or Asiago sprinkled on top during the last hour of cooking can also add a sharp, savory crust.
Jazz Up the Spices: Elevate the flavor profile beyond salt and pepper. Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth, a dash of dried thyme for an earthy aroma, a pinch of mustard powder to enhance the cheese flavor, or a teaspoon of garlic powder (or a couple of cloves of fresh minced garlic) for an aromatic kick. A touch of onion powder can also deepen the savory notes.
Bulk It Up with Veggies: This dish is a fantastic canvas for adding more vegetables. Mix in a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or corn kernels during the last hour of cooking. For greens, consider layering in some fresh spinach leaves with the potato layers – they’ll wilt down beautifully. You can even omit the ham entirely to create a hearty vegetarian scalloped potato casserole.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the creamy sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that warms the palate.
Alternative Soup Options: While cheddar cheese soup provides unparalleled creaminess and cheesiness, you can experiment with other condensed cream soups. Regular or low-sodium cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, or even a basic chicken broth can be used, though you might want to add extra shredded cheese to maintain the rich, cheesy element.
Herbaceous Freshness: Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of fresh rosemary after cooking.
Different Potato Varieties: While Yukon Gold and Russet are excellent, don’t shy away from experimenting with other potato types. Red potatoes, for instance, hold their shape well and add a lovely color. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for even cooking. Try this slow cooker recipe using red potatoes, leftover savory ham, topped with a creamy white sauce, and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, a few expert tips can elevate your slow cooker scalloped ham and potatoes from great to truly exceptional. These insights will help you achieve perfect results every time.

Uniform Potato Slices are Key: The most crucial step for evenly cooked scalloped potatoes is to slice them consistently thin. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices. If your slices are too thick or uneven, some potatoes may remain firm while others turn mushy.
Pre-Cooking the Cheesy Sauce (Optional, but Recommended for Extra Richness): While the “dump and go” method works perfectly fine, for an even richer and guaranteed thick sauce, you can slightly pre-cook the cheesy sauce on the stovetop. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then sauté 1 clove of minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder) for a minute. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese soup, simmering and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices before pouring it over your potato and ham layers. This method ensures a velvety smooth, thick sauce.
“Dump and Go” Simplicity: If you’re truly short on time, the “dump and go” recipe approach can still work beautifully, without meticulous layering. Simply load all the sliced potatoes, diced ham, and onions into the slow cooker, pour over the whisked soup and cream mixture, and gently mix everything together. Top with the shredded cheese. While the layers offer a more traditional presentation, the flavors will still meld wonderfully.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Slow Cooker: Ensure your ingredients fit comfortably within the slow cooker’s capacity. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking, with ingredients in the center taking much longer to cook through. For a 6-quart slow cooker, this recipe’s quantities are ideal.
Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist the urge to peek! Every time you lift the lid, a significant amount of heat escapes, extending the cooking time by at least 15-20 minutes. Keep the lid on until it’s time to check for doneness.
Test for Potato Tenderness: The best way to know if your scalloped potatoes are done is to test them. Gently insert a fork into a few potato slices from different parts of the slow cooker. They should be very tender and easily pierced, not firm or crunchy.
Optional Golden Crust (Broiler Method): Since slow cookers don’t brown the top, if you crave that bubbly, golden-brown cheese crust typical of oven-baked scalloped potatoes, you can carefully transfer the cooked casserole to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with a little extra cheese if desired, and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching it very closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

Perfectly cooked Scalloped Ham and Potatoes in slow cooker

More Great Scalloped Potato Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with the creamy, comforting goodness of scalloped potatoes, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delicious variations to explore. Here are some more of my favorite scalloped potato recipes that are sure to please:

Easy Scalloped Potatoes: A classic, no-fuss recipe that highlights the simple beauty of tender potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a traditional side dish.
Bacon Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Elevate your comfort food with the irresistible flavor of crispy bacon layered throughout. This smoky and savory twist takes scalloped potatoes to the next level.
Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes: A complete meal in one, this recipe pairs succulent pork chops with creamy scalloped potatoes for a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight or special occasion.
Potatoes Au Gratin: For those who crave extra cheesy goodness, this au gratin recipe features layers of potatoes baked in a decadent cheese sauce, often with a golden, bubbly crust. A true indulgence!

Slow cooker potato dinner with ham and cheese

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Crockpot Scalloped Ham and Potatoes Ready to Serve

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Scalloped Ham and Potatoes – Slow Cooker

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Servings: 6 servings

Deliciously creamy and cheesy Scalloped Ham and Potatoes made easy in the slow cooker! This comforting dish features tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, flavorful sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Just set it and forget it for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds potatoes peeled and sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended)
1 small onion thinly sliced or diced
1 pound cooked ham diced (leftover holiday ham or store-bought)
2 cups cheddar cheese -freshly shredded for best melt
10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup (1 can, for ultra-cheesy sauce)
½ cup heavy cream (for rich, creamy consistency)

Seasoning:

Kosher salt to taste
Black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cooker: Lightly spray the interior of your slow cooker insert with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Layer First Half: Add half of the thinly sliced potatoes, half of the sliced onion, half of the diced ham, and one-third (⅓) of the shredded cheese to the bottom of the cooker, in that order.
Season: Lightly sprinkle this layer with salt and pepper to taste.
Repeat Layers: Create a second identical layer using the remaining half of the onion, and ham, and another third (⅓) of the cheese.
Final Potato Layer: Finish with a final layer of the remaining sliced potatoes on top.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream together until smooth. Then, pour this creamy sauce evenly over the top of all the layers in the slow cooker.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining one-third (⅓) of the shredded cheese over the sauce.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the “low” heat setting for 6 hours, or on “high” for 4 hours. Check for potato tenderness after 4 hours, as cooking times can vary.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cooked ham or other meats. You can also vary the cheese by using Monterey Jack or Gruyere, and add extra veggies like peas, corn, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra kick.

Equipment

6-Quart Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Small mixing bowl and whisk

Nutrition

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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Slow Cooker Scalloped Ham and Potatoes