Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (With GF and Dairy-Free Options)

This recipe for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes incorporates tender, cooked ham, and broccoli florets for a comforting casserole. Serve it as the main course or a show-stealing side dish. If we had you at “Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes” then scroll on down to the recipe and get this dish cooking asap. If you’re curious how to also make these Scalloped Potatoes with Ham gluten free, dairy free, or even more veggie loaded, then read through the post for our simple suggestions.

Ingredients to make cheesy scalloped potatoes & Ham Casserole

Gather these ingredients from the fridge, freezer, and pantry to make this delicious ham and broccoli casserole come together with ease:

• butter or coconut oil
• onion – use a yellow or white onion
• frozen broccoli florets – save time by using a bag of frozen broccoli florets; cut any larger florets into small pieces so they will be evenly distributed through the casserole; can also use fresh, small broccoli florets
• frozen shredded potatoes – grab a bag of frozen hash brown potatoes to make this recipe quick and for tender potatoes throughout
• cooked, diced ham – a perfect use for leftover cooked ham, or buy a bag of diced ham from the deli
• flour – use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill One-to-One Gluten-Free Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure-for-Measure Gluten-Free Flour
• milk – use your favorite dairy or unsweetened non-dairy milk
• dried thyme – can also use double the amount of fresh thyme, if desired
• garlic powder
• fine salt and black pepper
• sharp cheddar cheese – can sub in Gruyere, Colby, Cheddar, or any shredded cheese of choice
• sliced green onions, chives, or fresh parsley – optional, for garnish

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe breaks down into a few simple steps:

1. Make the veggie-cream sauce: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook the onion and broccoli florets in the melted butter over medium heat until softened. Then add the flour, tossing to coat the ingredients. Reduce the heat and slowly add the 3 cups milk, whisking to create a roux. Stir in the seasonings, then bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute to thicken. 
2. Stir in the potatoes and ham: Add the frozen shredded potatoes, diced ham, and half of the cheese, stirring until well incorporated. 
3. Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch (or other 3-quart) baking dish and spread into an even layer. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the oven broiler to High and broil until the topping is golden brown. 
4. Garnish and serve: Top the casserole with sliced green onions, chives, or parsley. Serve while still hot.

For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), total fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.

Make It Gluten Free

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill One-to-One Gluten-Free Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure-for-Measure Gluten-Free Flour, as the thickener for the creamy sauce.

Make It Dairy Free

To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut oil in place of the butter. Then, use a non-dairy unsweetened milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk). And use dairy-free shreds, such as Daiya, So Delicious, or Follow Your Heart brands instead of Cheddar cheese. For more, we have a full selection of dairy-free recipes.

How To Store

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy leftovers chilled, at room temperature, or reheated in the stove, microwave, toaster oven, or in a skillet.

When To Serve This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This easy, everyone-loves-it cheesy baked potato casserole is the perfect comfort food dish to serve or share at all these occasions and more:

• Easter brunch – the ham, potato, and cheese combo is a classic one for serving at Easter, and we think this version with added broccoli and fresh herbs makes it even more perfect for spring
• Baby and wedding showers – any mama- or bride-to-be would love the yummy flavors in this easy and comforting casserole
• For a new parent or sick friend – help loved ones feel better from the inside out with this easy casserole that provides warmth and nourishing calories
• At a wake or funeral potluck – recipes similar to this one are called “Funeral Potatoes” because the familiar flavors bring comfort and ease to even the most somber of gatherings
• Cozy weeknights – the convenient frozen hash browns and frozen broccoli make it so you can get this casserole in the oven quickly
• Holidays – this dish transports well and makes for a wonderful addition to holiday dinners and potlucks, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and more

What Is The Origin of Scalloped Potatoes?

Most culinarians believe that scalloped potatoes (and closely related potatoes au gratin or au gratin potatoes) originated in England or France. While many people think these traditional dishes are about the potatoes, it’s really about the creamy sauce! 

Gratin potatoes tend to have a browned cheesy topping, but scalloped potato recipes sometimes contain cheese or breadcrumbs or neither of those. What these recipes always contain is a cream sauce that the slices or shreds of potato get cooked into.

Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Rachel Cook of Half Acre House.

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