Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

I absolutely love this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe because it turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that looks as good as it tastes. The layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes with savory ham and the ooey-gooey cheese melted on top make it perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals when you want something comforting but a little special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was to make in a muffin tin — that technique helps everyone get perfect portions and crispy edges. You’ll find that these stacks bake evenly and come out golden brown and cheesy, making them a guaranteed hit whether you’re serving family or guests.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully, creating creamy, cheesy potato stacks with a smoky ham kick. Look for fresh thyme and good-quality deli ham for the best flavor, and thin potato slices are key for evenly cooked layers.

• Cooking spray: Helps the stacks release easily without sticking to the muffin tin.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the cheddar beautifully.
• Half-and-half: Gives the scalloped potatoes a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
• Garlic powder: A subtle layer of garlicky goodness without overpowering the potatoes.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors throughout.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
• Smoked paprika: Provides smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with the ham.
• Russet potatoes: I love using unpeeled russets for texture and ease of prep – just slice thin and uniform.
• Deli ham: Cut into neat squares so each stack has a nice ham layer in every bite.
• Cheddar cheese: Orange or yellow cheddar melts wonderfully for that gooey, flavorful topping.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh sprinkle on top adds color and bright herbal notes to finish.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe is — you can switch up the cheeses or add in your favorite herbs to make it your own. Feel free to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing that comforting vibe.

• Vegetarian Version: I once swapped ham for sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions, and it was just as delicious and hearty.
• Cheese Swap: Try gruyere or mozzarella for a different melty experience — mixing cheeses is fun and tasty.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes gives a nice little kick if you want some heat.
• Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or sage can replace thyme for an earthier flavor profile.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Arrange your oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350°F. Greasing a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray is crucial here — it ensures your stacks won’t stick and helps them develop beautifully crisp edges. I learned the hard way that a well-sprayed pan makes all the difference when transferring the stacks.

Step 2: Toss Potatoes in the Flavorful Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together Parmesan, half-and-half, chopped thyme, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This mixture is the secret sauce that infuses the potatoes with tons of flavor. Add your thinly sliced potatoes and toss gently until they’re thoroughly coated — be sure to coat every slice, as this keeps them tender and cheesy once baked.

Step 3: Build Your Layers

Now, here’s the fun part: building the stacks right inside the muffin tin. Start by placing 2 slices of potato in each cup, then add a square of ham. Repeat this layering four times — potatoes, then ham — and finish each stack with one more potato slice on top. Pour the leftover Parmesan mixture over and around the stacks — this helps them soak up that creamy goodness while baking. Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture.

Step 4: Bake and Add Cheddar

Bake covered for 35 minutes, which allows the potatoes to get tender and absorb flavors without drying out. Then uncover, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and around the stacks, and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and gets those perfect golden-brown edges. I love this moment — it’s when the stacks transform from good to irresistible.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your cheesy scalloped potato & ham stacks cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. This resting time helps them firm up so they’re easier to remove. Use an offset spatula to carefully lift each stack out — they hold together beautifully when layered just right. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish — it adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes I like to add a small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for a bit of tang and freshness.

Side Dishes

These stacks pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. I also love serving them alongside sautéed spinach or a tangy coleslaw to lighten up the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday dinner, I’ve served these on a large wooden board with mixed fresh herbs sprinkled on top and a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten the plate. Stacking them neatly in rows with a drizzle of warm herb butter feels extra special and invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These stacks reheat nicely without losing their texture — just keep them covered to prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend baking through step 3 (before the cheddar cheese), then freezing the covered muffin tin or transferred stacks. When ready, bake covered from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover, add cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stacks in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy cheesy crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potato & Ham Stacks Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting yet fancy enough to impress. It’s straightforward, reliable, and has that homey charm that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas. I really can’t recommend giving it a try enough — once you taste these cheesy, layered stacks, they’ll quickly find a spot in your family favorites.

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