Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas Recipe

It’s funny how some of the simplest dishes can become instant family favorites. In our house, comfort food is king, and this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas recipe from Betty Crocker has become a reigning champion. From the moment the aroma of cheesy potatoes and savory ham starts wafting from the oven, everyone gathers in the kitchen, eager for a taste. What I love most about this recipe is its sheer simplicity. Using Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes as a base makes it incredibly quick to throw together, even on busy weeknights. But don’t let the ease fool you – the addition of heavy cream, ham, sweet peas, and sharp cheddar cheese elevates this classic side dish into a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with the salty ham and sweet bursts of peas is just divine. It’s the kind of dish that gets requested again and again, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck where you want to bring something everyone will genuinely enjoy. Trust me, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers on both flavor and ease, look no further than these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas. It’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

To create this delightful and comforting Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas, you’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand why they are essential for this recipe’s success.

• 2 boxes (4.7 oz each) Betty Crocker™ Scalloped Potatoes: The foundation of our dish, Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes are the secret to making this recipe incredibly quick and easy. These convenient boxes contain thinly sliced dehydrated potatoes and a flavorful sauce mix. The potatoes are perfectly pre-sliced, eliminating the time-consuming task of peeling and slicing potatoes yourself. The sauce mix is carefully formulated to create that classic scalloped potato flavor, providing a balanced blend of seasonings and thickening agents. Using this boxed mix not only saves time but also ensures consistent results every time you make this dish. For this recipe, using two boxes ensures you have enough potatoes to create a substantial and satisfying meal for eight servings.
• 1 cup Diced Ham Steak: The savory heart of this dish, diced ham steak adds a wonderful depth of flavor and protein. Ham steak provides a richer, smokier taste compared to regular sliced ham. It also holds its shape well during baking, ensuring you get satisfying chunks of ham throughout the scalloped potatoes. Dicing the ham steak into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to distribute evenly through the dish, ensuring every serving has a delicious ham component. You can use leftover ham from a holiday dinner, or easily find pre-cooked ham steak in the deli section of most grocery stores. The salty and slightly smoky flavor of the ham perfectly complements the creamy potatoes and sweet peas.
• 1 cup Frozen Sweet Peas: Adding a pop of color, sweetness, and freshness, frozen sweet peas are a fantastic addition to this creamy potato dish. Peas provide a lovely textural contrast to the soft potatoes and creamy sauce, offering a slight burst of sweetness in every bite. Using frozen peas is incredibly convenient as they are readily available year-round and require no preparation – simply toss them in frozen! The sweetness of the peas balances the richness of the cheese and ham, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile. Don’t worry about thawing them beforehand; they will cook perfectly in the oven as the dish bakes. If you prefer fresh peas, you can certainly use them, just blanch them briefly before adding to the potato mixture.
• 4 cups Boiling Water: Boiling water is crucial for rehydrating the dehydrated potatoes from the Betty Crocker mix and activating the sauce. The heat from the boiling water helps to soften the potatoes quickly and evenly, allowing them to absorb the creamy sauce during baking. It also helps to dissolve the sauce mix and create the luscious, creamy base that is characteristic of scalloped potatoes. Using boiling water ensures that the potatoes cook through properly and become tender while the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before pouring it over the potato mixture to achieve the best results.
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret ingredient to truly decadent and luxurious scalloped potatoes is heavy whipping cream. Unlike milk or half-and-half, heavy whipping cream has a higher fat content, which translates to a richer, creamier, and more flavorful sauce. The heavy cream emulsifies beautifully with the sauce mix and boiling water, creating a velvety smooth texture that coats the potatoes perfectly. It also adds a subtle sweetness and richness that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. While you could technically substitute with half-and-half or milk, the heavy cream is highly recommended for achieving the signature creamy texture and flavor of this recipe. Don’t skimp on the heavy cream – it’s what makes this dish truly special!
• 2 tablespoons Thinly Sliced Fresh Chives: Fresh chives are used both within the potato mixture and as a final garnish, adding a delicate oniony flavor and a vibrant pop of green. Chives provide a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cheese and cream, adding a touch of freshness to the dish. Thinly slicing the chives ensures they distribute evenly throughout the mixture and release their flavor effectively. Using fresh chives rather than dried provides a brighter, more aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh chives on hand, you could substitute with a small amount of finely chopped green onions or parsley, although chives are definitely the preferred choice for their delicate flavor. The chives not only enhance the flavor but also add a visually appealing touch to the finished dish.
• 1 cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese (4 oz): Sharp white cheddar cheese provides a tangy, flavorful, and melty topping to these scalloped potatoes. White cheddar offers a slightly sharper and more complex flavor compared to yellow cheddar, which pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes, ham, and peas. Shredding the cheese ensures it melts evenly and creates a golden brown, cheesy crust on top of the dish. The cheese adds a wonderful richness and savory element, making the dish even more satisfying. You can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese for convenience, or shred your own from a block for potentially even fresher flavor. While white cheddar is recommended, you could also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

Instructions

Creating these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the convenience of Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this comforting dish to life in your own kitchen:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (232°C). This high heat helps to ensure that the potatoes cook through quickly and the cheese topping becomes beautifully golden brown and bubbly. While the oven is preheating, take a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Glass dishes are ideal for baking scalloped potatoes as they distribute heat evenly, ensuring the potatoes cook uniformly. To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish and to make serving easier, lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray. Any type of cooking spray will work, whether it’s olive oil, canola oil, or a non-stick spray. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the dish evenly. This simple step will save you time and frustration when it comes to cleaning up later.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl

Now, gather a large mixing bowl – it should be spacious enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients. Into this bowl, empty both packages of Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes. This includes both the dehydrated potato slices and the sauce mix packets from both boxes. Next, add the diced ham steak and the frozen sweet peas to the bowl. Distribute these ingredients evenly over the potato slices. The frozen peas can be added directly from the freezer – there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Their frozen state will help to cool down the boiling water slightly and prevent the potatoes from overcooking at the edges initially.

Step 3: Add Boiling Water, Cream, and Chives

Carefully pour 4 cups of boiling water over the potato mixture in the bowl. Make sure the boiling water evenly covers all the potatoes. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. The heavy cream will add richness and creaminess to the sauce. Take 1 tablespoon of the thinly sliced fresh chives and sprinkle them into the mixture. These chives will infuse the potatoes with a subtle oniony flavor as they bake.

Step 4: Stir and Transfer to Baking Dish

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir all the ingredients in the bowl until they are well combined. Ensure that the sauce mix is dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes, ham, and peas. The potatoes should be submerged in the liquid mixture. Once everything is thoroughly mixed, pour the entire potato mixture into the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure consistent cooking and browning. A uniform layer will help the potatoes bake at the same rate and prevent some parts from being overcooked or undercooked.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface with a generous layer of cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious golden brown crust as the potatoes bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven set at 450°F (232°C). Bake for 33 to 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness towards the end of the baking time. The potatoes are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and the cheese is melted and nicely browned.

Step 6: Let Stand and Garnish

Once the scalloped potatoes are baked to golden perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken further as it cools slightly. During this time, the starches in the potato sauce will gelatinize, creating a richer and creamier texture. Finally, garnish the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chives. Sprinkle them over the top for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. The fresh chives add a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for making informed dietary choices. While the exact nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on specific brands and ingredient variations, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas, based on 8 servings per recipe:

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8 of the 13×9-inch dish)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving. This can vary based on the fat content of your heavy cream and the type of ham used.
• Total Fat: 30-40 grams. A significant portion of the calories comes from fat, primarily due to the heavy cream and cheese. Saturated fat content will be relatively high.
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg. Cholesterol content is contributed by the cheese, cream, and ham.
• Sodium: 700-900mg. Sodium content is quite high due to the processed nature of the scalloped potato mix, ham, and cheese. If you are watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium ham and cheese, and be mindful of the sodium content in the Betty Crocker scalloped potato mix.
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams. Carbohydrates primarily come from the potatoes and the sauce mix.
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams. Fiber content is relatively low, mostly from the potatoes and peas.
• Sugars: 5-7 grams. Sugars are naturally present in potatoes, peas, and the sauce mix.
• Protein: 15-20 grams. Protein is provided by the ham and cheese.

Important Considerations:

• High in Fat and Calories: This dish is relatively high in fat and calories due to the use of heavy cream and cheese. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple.
• Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are on a low-sodium diet. Choose lower-sodium ham and cheese options if possible.
• Nutrient Density: While it provides protein and some vitamins and minerals from the potatoes, peas, and dairy, this dish is not particularly nutrient-dense compared to meals rich in vegetables and whole grains.
• Portion Control: Due to its richness, portion control is key. Stick to a reasonable serving size to manage calorie and fat intake.

For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use in your recipe. Remember that these are estimated values and can vary.

Preparation Time

One of the biggest advantages of this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas recipe is its incredibly quick preparation time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious dish in a hurry, here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes – This is the active time you’ll spend in the kitchen preparing the dish. It includes:
  • Gathering ingredients (2 minutes)
  • Spraying the baking dish (1 minute)
  • Dicing the ham steak (3 minutes – if using pre-diced ham, this is even faster!)
  • Combining all ingredients in the bowl (2 minutes)
  • Pouring mixture into the baking dish and sprinkling cheese (2 minutes)
• Cook Time: 33-35 minutes – This is the time the dish spends baking in the oven. This is largely inactive time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the oven does its work.
• Resting Time: 5 minutes – After baking, it’s essential to let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. This is also inactive time.
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes – From start to finish, including preparation, baking, and resting time, you can have this delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas ready to serve in under an hour.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use Pre-Diced Ham: To save even more time, purchase pre-diced ham from the deli or pre-packaged diced ham.
• Pre-Shredded Cheese: Using pre-shredded cheese eliminates the step of shredding it yourself.
• Organize Ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start. This “mise en place” approach can significantly speed up the prep process.
• Efficient Boiling: Use an electric kettle to quickly boil the water, or start boiling water while you are gathering and prepping other ingredients.

This recipe is truly a lifesaver when you need a comforting and satisfying meal or side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The quick prep time, combined with the relatively short baking time, makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks when time is of the essence.

How to Serve

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

As a Hearty Main Course:

• Family Dinner: Serve it as the star of a cozy family dinner. It’s substantial enough to be a satisfying main course, especially when paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Weeknight Meal: Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Add a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Holiday Leftover Repurpose: Perfect for using up leftover ham from holiday dinners like Easter or Christmas. Transform leftover ham into a brand new and exciting meal.

As a Delicious Side Dish:

• Potlucks and Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well. Its hearty and flavorful nature makes it a hit at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
• Holiday Side: Serve it alongside a roast turkey, chicken, or beef for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s a comforting and classic side dish that complements traditional holiday meals.
• BBQ Side: Pair it with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or ribs for a satisfying BBQ feast. The creamy potatoes provide a nice contrast to smoky grilled flavors.

Serving Pairings:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or carrots offer a healthy and colorful side to balance the meal.
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce and complementing the flavors of the dish.
• Roasted Chicken or Pork: If serving as a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or pork chops.

Garnishing Ideas:

• Fresh Chives: As mentioned in the recipe, a final sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and fresh oniony flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley can be used as an alternative garnish for a slightly different herbaceous note.
• Crumbled Bacon: For an extra layer of savory flavor, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top before serving.
• Paprika: A light dusting of paprika adds a touch of color and subtle smoky flavor.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, offer a side of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to sprinkle on top.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas is sure to be a hit. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Additional Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

To ensure your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas turn out perfectly every time, here are five helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients in the bowl, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the sauce mix, potentially resulting in a slightly tougher texture. A gentle stir is all you need to ensure everything is incorporated.
2. Ensure Potatoes are Submerged: When you pour the boiling water and cream over the potato mixture, make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the liquid. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender. If necessary, gently press the potatoes down into the liquid with a spoon or spatula.
3. Check for Doneness with a Fork: To check if the potatoes are fully cooked, insert a fork into the center of the dish. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with the fork. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking again periodically.
4. Adjust Baking Time if Needed: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your scalloped potatoes while they are baking. If the top is browning too quickly before the potatoes are tender, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking through.
5. Let it Rest for Thicker Sauce: Resist the temptation to serve the scalloped potatoes immediately after removing them from the oven. The 5-minute resting time is crucial for allowing the sauce to thicken. As the dish cools slightly, the starches in the sauce will gelatinize, resulting in a richer, creamier, and more cohesive sauce. This resting period significantly improves the overall texture and enjoyment of the dish.

By following these simple tips, you can consistently create delicious and perfectly textured Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas that will impress your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas, covering ingredients, substitutions, storage, and more:

Q1: Ingredients – Can I use a different type of ham besides ham steak?

A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ham steak with other types of ham. Cooked ham, diced ham off the bone, or even leftover holiday ham will work perfectly well. The key is to use pre-cooked ham as it will simply be heated through during baking. If you are using sliced deli ham, you can dice it into bite-sized pieces. For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked ham hock meat, but be sure to remove the bone and shred or dice the meat before adding it to the recipe. You could also experiment with other cured meats like cooked bacon or pancetta for a different flavor profile, though the classic ham flavor is traditionally preferred in this dish.

Q2: Can I use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream?

A: While you can technically use milk or half-and-half as substitutes for heavy whipping cream, the result will be less creamy and rich. Heavy whipping cream is crucial for achieving the signature creamy texture and luxurious flavor of this recipe due to its higher fat content. Milk and half-and-half have significantly less fat, which will lead to a thinner sauce that may not thicken as well during baking and resting. If you do substitute, the sauce will still be flavorful, but the texture will be noticeably different. For the best results and the intended creamy texture, using heavy whipping cream is highly recommended.

Q3: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

A: Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas. However, fresh peas require a bit more preparation. If using fresh peas, it’s best to blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Then, drain them and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color. Once cooled, drain them again and add them to the potato mixture as you would frozen peas. Blanching helps to ensure the fresh peas cook properly during baking and retain their color and texture.

Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is very cold from the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bake the dish completely ahead of time and then reheat it. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has become too thick during refrigeration.

Q5: How should I store leftovers and how long will they last?

A: Leftover Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. As with reheating a pre-baked dish, you might need to add a little milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration. While the flavor will still be delicious, the texture of reheated scalloped potatoes may be slightly softer than freshly baked.

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