Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks

 

Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks

 

 Instead of a conventional casserole, the ingredients are stacked into person portions, making them look stylish at the same time as still being hearty and enjoyable. They’re perfect for own family dinners, meal prep, or unique activities when you need something comfortable but visually appealing.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the stacks:

4–five large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)

1½–2 cups cooked ham, thinly sliced or diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and layering)

Salt and black pepper, to flavor

Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

For the creamy sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-cause flour

2 cups milk (heat)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup grated cheese (for added richness in sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes

A mandoline slicer works first-class for even cooking, however a sharp knife will also do. Place the slices in bloodless water to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry earlier than assembling.

2. Make the cheese sauce

In a saucepan over medium warmness, soften the butter. Stir inside the flour and cook dinner for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to shape a easy roux. Slowly pour inside the warm milk at the same time as whisking to keep away from lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 4–6 mins.

 Stir within the grated cheese till melted and clean. Remove from heat and set apart.

 3. Assemble the stacks

Preheat the oven to a hundred and eighty°C (350°F). Lightly grease a muffin tin or small baking dish.

Start layering:

Place a few potato slices at the bottom

Add a small spoon of cheese sauce

Add a layer of ham

Sprinkle a touch shredded cheese

Repeat the layers until each stack reaches the pinnacle of the muffin cup or baking dish. Finish with a generous spoon of cheese sauce and a sprinkle of cheese on top.

4. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35–forty minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for every other 10–15 minutes till the tops are golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Rest and serve

Let the stacks relaxation for 5–10 minutes earlier than removing them from the tin. This enables them keep their form.

Tips & Variations

Extra crispy top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs blended with melted butter on top before the final bake.

Vegetable increase: Add skinny layers of spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions among the potatoes.

Cheese change: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or smoked cheese for distinctive taste profiles.

Make ahead: Assemble the stacks a day beforehand and refrigerate; bake simply before serving.

Serving Ideas

These stacks pair properly with:

A clean green salad

Roasted vegetables

Light tomato soup

Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks convey collectively creamy, tacky comfort and the pleasing heartiness of potatoes and ham—all in neat, individual quantities which can be as stunning as they're delicious.