Easy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon or Ham

These cheesy scalloped potatoes have become a must-have for our holiday family meals now. They are always a hit!

Possibly the best part about this recipe is that they can be prepared in advance and cooked right before. Ideally, I like to prepare them the day before or the morning of. Personally, I believe the flavors get better when they marinate in the refrigerator all night. Simply prepare the recipe up to the point of cooking in the oven and store in the refrigerator until right before you’re ready to cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes before the meal is ready.

One pro tip I offer to you is I always place the dish on a foil lined cookie sheet for easy clean up.

Possibly the best part about this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance and cooked right before.

Use bacon, bacon bits, chopped ham, or leave out meat altogether to switch up the flavor.

This recipe is super easy and will be favorite among adults and kids. It is usually the first things my Grandkids ask for when they are being served. The fact that it can be prepared a day in advance makes it great for hosting or bringing as a side dish to a party.

Enjoy!

Making them in advance makes them the perfect side dish for hosting or bringing to a party.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

• potatoes
• small onion
• cream of chicken
• milk
• butter
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• paprika
• salt
• pepper
• bacon, bacon bits, or ham chopped into pieces (optional)
• chives (for garnish)

Supplies Needed for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

• 9″x13″ casserole dish
• sauce pan
• foil
• cookie sheet

How to Make:

Add peeled potatoes to a large pot of boiling water to precook all potatoes. Roughly about 45 minutes.

Drain potatoes from the pot of water and let cool completely before slicing. (Hint: Sometimes I’ll do this in the morning or even the day before and keep them in the refrigerator to cool completely before slicing)

Butter a large 9″x13″ glass casserole dish.

Slice potatoes into 1/4″ pieces and add to glass dish.

Top with sliced butter cut into 8 slices.

Add sautéed onions on top of sliced potatoes and butter.

Salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate sauce pan, make the sauce by combining the cream of chicken and milk. Use a low heat setting and whisk until completely smooth. Be sure not to scorch.

Pour warm sauce over the potatoes.

Add in about 2 cups of the shredded cheese.

Add in bacon or ham at this point.

Stir well to get everything evenly coated.

Top with remaining cheese to form a crust.

Add in paprika and more salt and pepper to taste. (Hint: Make sure to taste test at this point and adjust salt and pepper accordingly)

Cover with foil on a foil lined cookie sheet and cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Serve hot. Garnish with fresh or dried chives before serving.

Enjoy!

See the step-by-step video on Instagram here.

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