Betty Crocker's Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Crisp-Topped Creamy Layers

Betty Crocker’s ham and scalloped potatoes recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy layers and crispy golden tops—just like Nonna used to make in our Boston kitchen. The secret lies in slow-baked ham infused with herbs, layered beneath tender potatoes simmered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce.

I’ve tested this dish countless times, adjusting until the sauce is thick enough to coat each potato perfectly without turning gluey.

This recipe captures the heart of New England comfort food: tender, savory ham paired with potatoes that are tender inside and crispy on top. The prep takes about 30 minutes, but the baking time—roughly 45 minutes—lets the flavors meld into something deeply satisfying.

Betty Crocker’s style shines here with a foolproof method that even beginners can master, thanks to precise layering and a foolproof sauce ratio.

By the time it comes out of the oven, you’ll have a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes—golden, bubbling layers of potatoes with a crispy crust, all resting on a bed of flavorful ham. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This is the kind of recipe that turns a simple side dish into the star of the meal, perfect for holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness, or enjoy it on its own as a hearty main. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Let’s get cooking—this dish is worth every minute of the wait.

Ingredients for ham and scalloped potatoes recipe betty crocker

Classic comfort food ingredients that deliver creamy layers and crispy golden tops every time.

The ham is the flavor foundation—look for a bone-in cut from the deli counter at Whole Foods or your local butcher for maximum juiciness. If using pre-sliced ham, check the label for added sugars or preservatives. For the potatoes, Russets are non-negotiable—they hold their shape while absorbing the creamy sauce. I prefer organic when possible, but any waxy variety works. The cheese should be sharp cheddar—Cabot or Wisconsin craft cheeses melt beautifully, but Kraft works in a pinch. Freshly grated always wins over pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Butter matters here—use Plugrá or Land O'Lakes for reliable quality, and don't skip the unsalted version to control seasoning.

No sharp cheddar? Gruyère or Swiss add depth, though the flavor profile shifts slightly. Substituting cream cheese (½ cup blended into the sauce) makes the sauce even richer, but it'll be denser. Heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half if needed, though the sauce may be slightly thinner. For the thyme, dried works at one-third the amount, but fresh adds a bright herbal note that complements the ham beautifully. The garlic can be pre-minced from a jar (like Garlic Life), but fresh minced gives the best flavor. If you're watching calories, light cream works, but the sauce won't be as velvety—Betty Crocker's original method prioritizes that creamy texture.

This dish reheats beautifully—cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes to revive the crispy top. Leftovers keep for 4-5 days in the fridge, though the texture softens slightly with each reheat. For meal prep, assemble the dish in the baking dish, refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour, then bake as directed. The crispy topping is best eaten fresh, so plan to serve it immediately if possible. Freeze portions (without the ham layer) for up to 3 months—just add fresh ham when reheating.

Step-by-step instructions for ham and scalloped potatoes

Here's how to create layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes with perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Slice the 1.5 lb fully cooked ham into ¼-inch thick slices, then arrange half of them in the bottom of the dish in a single layer. This creates the flavor base for your potatoes.

Peel and slice the 3 lb russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. You should have about 6 cups of sliced potatoes. Toss them with 1 cup milk, 1.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg until evenly coated. This seasoning blend ensures each layer gets that perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors.

In a medium saucepan, melt the 0.5 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 0.25 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden. Slowly whisk in the 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup milk (the remaining milk), stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in the 1.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 4 minced garlic cloves. This cheese mixture is the heart of your scalloped potatoes, delivering that rich, velvety texture. Spread half of this mixture over the ham slices in your baking dish, then arrange half of the seasoned potato slices on top in a single layer.

Spread the remaining cheese mixture evenly over the potato layer. Add another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining ham slices. The final layer should be potatoes to ensure the crispy topping seals in all the flavors. Here's where the magic happens: mix the 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle this evenly over the top layer of potatoes.

This breadcrumb topping creates that perfect crispy contrast to the creamy potatoes. The butter in the breadcrumbs helps create a golden, crunchy finish while adding richness to the overall dish. The panko's airy texture also prevents the top from becoming soggy during baking.

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The edges should pull away slightly from the baking dish, indicating the cheese has melted completely and the potatoes are creamy throughout.

I like to check the doneness at the 40-minute mark—if the top isn't golden enough, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. The internal temperature of the potatoes should reach 200°F, ensuring they're fully cooked and creamy. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly.

Regional styles of these flavors

New England Classic

This dish is pure New England comfort food, where ham and scalloped potatoes became a holiday staple. In my Boston neighborhood, this would be the centerpiece of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner—often served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad.

The key difference here is the crispy panko topping, which I learned from my Nonna after she moved from Sicily. She'd make a similar dish with gnocchi, but the potatoes became our family's favorite because they're foolproof and always impressive. 🥔

Southern U.S. Twist

Down South, this dish gets a smoky kick with smoked ham instead of regular ham, and sometimes a dash of hot sauce in the cheese mixture.

I tried this version at a friend's family reunion in Georgia, where they also add collard greens on the side—a perfect pairing with the richness. The Southern approach keeps the creamy potatoes but leans into bold flavors that cut through the fat.

If you want to try it, swap the regular ham for smoked ham and add ½ tsp cayenne to the cheese sauce.

Irish Pub Style

In Boston's Irish pubs, you'll find a heartier version where the ham is replaced with corned beef or Irish bacon, and the potatoes are mixed with stout beer in the sauce for depth.

I once had this at a pub in Southie after a long day of writing—it was so good I recreated it at home. The beer adds a malty richness that pairs perfectly with the crispy topping.

For this version, replace 1 cup of the milk with 1 cup Guinness or another dark beer and reduce the butter slightly to balance the flavor.

Holiday Centerpiece

This dish is a holiday showstopper, especially when served in a cast-iron skillet for extra crispiness. My first Thanksgiving after moving out on my own, I made this in my tiny Boston apartment and served it with store-bought rolls—it was the only thing that made the space feel cozy.

The layers look stunning when plated, and the aroma fills the house long before it's ready. For a festive touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving, or add a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet upgrade.

Weeknight Family Favorite

Don't let the holiday vibe fool you—this is also a fantastic weeknight dinner. I make it every few weeks when I want something comforting but still feel special. The secret is prepping ahead: slice the ham and potatoes the night before, then assemble and bake while you're at work.

The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve with steamed broccoli or a simple tomato salad to balance the richness, and you've got a dinner that feels like a celebration without the fuss. 💫

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