Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly easily. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich cheese melded into little individual stacks that everyone gobbled up. It’s the kind of recipe that works beautifully for a cozy family dinner or a special brunch with friends.

You’ll find that this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — without demanding hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can personalize it however you like. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a staple in your cooking rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and savory bite that’s bursting with flavor. When you shop, look for fresh herbs and good quality cheeses because they make all the difference.

• Cooking spray: A little goes a long way to keep the stacks from sticking and helps with even browning.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that complements the potatoes wonderfully.
• Half-and-half: Gives the sauce a silky texture without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme: The herbal note here really brightens the dish and ties everything together.
• Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aroma and depth without overpowering.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
• Smoked paprika: Offers a smoky nuance that pairs beautifully with the ham.
• Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature means super tender, creamy stacks once baked.
• Deli ham: Provides that salty, meaty layer that makes this recipe special.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness when serving.

Variations

I love how this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe invites you to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with different cheeses and herbs, and honestly, it’s fun to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in your fridge.

• Add a spicy kick: I sometimes sprinkle cayenne pepper into the sauce for an exciting heat element that wakes up the dish.
• Swap ham for turkey or bacon: When I want something a bit lighter or smokier, turkey slices or crisp bacon work beautifully as alternatives.
• Use Gruyere or Fontina cheese: For a more sophisticated cheese flavor, these melt wonderfully and add a touch of elegance.
• Try fresh rosemary instead of thyme: I find rosemary gives a woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes if thyme isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by positioning your oven rack near the center and preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to use a 12-cup muffin tin because it helps create perfect little stacks, and spraying it well with cooking spray is key to make sure nothing sticks. Trust me, doing this prep step right will save you some fussy cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Parmesan Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the finely shredded Parmesan, half-and-half, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth. This mixture not only seasons the potatoes but also keeps them luscious and creamy during baking. When I toss the potato slices in this, I make sure each piece is fully coated—it’s what gives the stacks their incredible flavor.

Step 3: Build Your Potato & Ham Stacks

Here comes the fun part. In each prepared muffin cup, layer two potato slices, one square of ham, then repeat that four times, to build tall, hearty stacks. Finally, top each with one more potato slice. I pour the remaining Parmesan mixture all over and around the stacks—this ensures even baking and flavor penetration. Cover tightly with foil so the potatoes steam perfectly.

Step 4: Bake, Add Cheese, and Finish Baking

Bake the covered stacks for about 35 minutes, then remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and around the stacks, then pop them back in the oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is wonderfully melted and golden. You’ll smell that toasty cheesy aroma when they’re done—my signal that it’s time to take them out. Let these rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Use an offset spatula to gently lift the stacks out of the tin and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful garnish. I love how those little touches elevate the presentation without extra effort.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped parsley. It adds that lovely green pop and a fresh herbal bite that balances the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of extra smoked paprika on top for that last hint of smoky color and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a light drizzle of hot sauce on the side can be divine too.

Side Dishes

These stacks pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies to cut through the richness. When I’m feeling indulgent, I like serving them alongside honey-glazed carrots or sautéed green beans with garlic. They also work great with a light soup or charcuterie board for a casual meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or holiday gatherings, I’ve stacked these on a beautiful wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for an impressive look. Another idea I love is serving them in individual mini cast iron skillets to keep them warm and elevate presentation. You can even sprinkle a bit of crispy fried onions on top for added texture and wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover stacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, you’ll want to recover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. This recipe keeps its creamy texture even after refrigeration, which I love.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these stacks successfully by baking first, then cooling completely before wrapping individual stacks tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The texture stays surprisingly good!

Reheating

Reheating in the oven works best to maintain that crispy, cheesy top and tender potatoes underneath. I set the oven to 350°F, cover loosely with foil, and warm for about 15-20 minutes, uncovering for the last 5 minutes to freshen the cheese topping. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make them a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s reliable, comforting, and feels a little special without requiring all day. I love pulling it out for casual dinners and seeing how everyone lights up when they dig into these golden, cheesy layers. I really hope you give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, and honestly, who doesn’t want that kind of deliciousness in their life?

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