Quick stovetop scalloped potatoes with ham that delivers a creamy, rich flavor without baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or using leftover ham.
My family loves this recipe because it delivers everything they crave from classic scalloped potatoes—rich, creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham—without the long baking time. It’s made entirely on the stovetop, which means faster cooking, fewer dishes, and reliable results every time. The combination of cheese, ham, and perfectly cooked potatoes feels indulgent and comforting, yet it’s practical enough for busy weeknights. We also appreciate how well it uses leftover ham and how easy it is to customize with different cheeses or add-ins, making it a dependable, repeat-worthy family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast stovetop method cuts preparation time dramatically compared to baked scalloped potatoes.
- Comfort food flavor with creamy cheese sauce and savory ham for satisfying weeknight meals.
- No special equipment needed — stove and pot are all that’s required.
- Makes great use of leftover ham, reducing waste and adding flavor.
- Versatile base recipe that adapts to add veggies, cheeses, or different meats.
Ingredients (& What Each One Does)
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Unsalted butter – the foundation for the roux that thickens the sauce.
All-purpose flour – creates the creamy base by thickening milk and stock.
Onion – aromatic base flavor.
Garlic cloves – add savory depth.
Chicken stock – umami richness and sauce body.
Whole milk – creamy texture and richness.
Fresh thyme or parsley – light herbal balance.
Salt & ground black pepper – essential seasonings.
Russet potatoes – starchy potatoes that absorb sauce and give structure.
Ham – savory protein that adds flavor contrast.
Shredded cheddar cheese – sharp, creamy cheese layer.
Parmesan cheese – nutty umami accent.
How to Make Stovetop Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
This stovetop version simplifies classic scalloped potatoes by boiling diced russets while you prepare a rich cheese sauce. Once potatoes are tender, fold in diced ham and finish with cheese. Optionally, broil for a golden top.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Dice potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer before adding cheese to avoid graininess.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk; if it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Upgrade – Add Gruyère or Swiss for a richer sauce.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in cooked broccoli or peas at the end.
- Smoky Bacon Twist – Replace or add crispy bacon pieces.
- Spicy Kick – Fold in diced green chiles or cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted chicken or pork for a hearty dinner.
- Serve a crisp green salad to balance the creamy richness.
- Bread rolls or biscuits complement the creamy texture.
New Life for Leftovers
Turn leftovers into:
- Cheesy Ham & Potato Hash – Sauté with eggs for breakfast.
- Loaded Potato Skillet – Reheat with sour cream and scallions.
- Potato Soup Base – Thin with broth for a creamy soup.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze before broiling for up to 2–3 months (sauce may change texture).
- Reheat: Microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk.
People Often Ask (FAQs)
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes — this stovetop method is the oven-free option and cooks in about 20 minutes.
What potatoes are best?
Russets or Yukon Gold give the best texture; waxy potatoes can get mushy.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely — that’s one of the main benefits of this recipe.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap ham for mushrooms or smoked tofu, and adjust seasonings.
The Last Bite
This stovetop scalloped potatoes with ham recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one pot, and big, satisfying flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to whenever you need a cozy, reliable meal. Whether you’re using leftover ham or cooking it fresh, this dish delivers creamy, hearty results every single time.
Stove Top Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion , minced
- 2 medium garlic cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 pounds russet potatoes , peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound ham , diced *See Notes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- If finishing under the broiler, heat oven to broil. If not, skip this step.
- Add potatoes into a medium pot and fill with enough cold water to just covet the potatoes. Bring to a full boil on the stove. Boil the potatoes until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, about 1 minute.
- Add onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent about 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk [paid link] in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken stock, milk, thyme or parsley, salt, pepper, and bring to simmer. Add the cheese and stir to melt. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When the potatoes are tender, drain well and put them back into the pot and add the ham. Pour the warm cheese mixture over the potatoes and stir to combine. If desired, transfer to a serving or gratin dish for dinner service.
- If you are broiling the potatoes to brown the top, transfer the mixture to a 3-quart gratin dish and broil until the cream is bubbling around sides and top is golden brown, about 5 – 10 minutes.
Notes
- Perfect dish to make to use up left over ham from a big holiday meal.
- Diced ham pieces are sold by the whole hams in the grocery store. This recipe does not use sliced deli ham.
Nutrition
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How many cups is 4 pounds ?
Great question. It’s about 6 cups of diced potatoes.
Made it, skipped the parmesan and broiler. Love it and will repeat. Did add a little cayenne and might add crushed pepper or diced jalapeno next time; this is a definite keeper.Also, I didn’t have ham so used a very good Portuguese sausage. I will make a point to use ham next time.
I loved this dish! I did make some minor changes based on what I had. I usually drink almond milk so I subbed one can evaporated milk, subbed 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic for the fresh. Used uncured ham and red onion and added 1/4 teaspoon crushed Rosemary. Served with a generous portion of buttered steamed broccoli. OMG! So good!
No need to avoid making scalloped potatoes anymore. This recipe is delicious. Walmart sells diced potatoes so I started with those and used the recipe as is. Came out great
This recipe made scalloped potatoes and EASY weeknight side I DONT have to make from a box! WIN:WIN
Recipe for stove top ham and scalloped potatoes calls for 1 cup chicken stock yet in the directions there is no mention of when to use it.
Please advise.
Faith
Hi Faith,
Looks like I wrote cream and milk instead of stock and milk. Good eye. Thank you for taking the time to bring this to my attention. I have updated the wording. I appreciate you pointing that out!
What an easy idea. Going to try this.
Thanks, Fernnie. I hope you do; it’s delicious. Come back and comment and let me know how it turned out!
Lovely blog! Love this idea.
Thanks! I hope you try it. :)
Awesome!
Thanks, Kala!
too heavy for Summer but look out winter. I am all over these!
I agree!
looks great & so easy compared to the conventional scalloped potatoes. What an easy new idea.
thank you, Peggy.
Clever to do it on the stove top.
Thanks, Christie. The one thing that kept me from making them was how tedious they are. This really made a world of difference for me – and it cooks quicker than the boxed variety
I simply would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Thanks, Malorie
My husband loves scalloped potatoes but I avoid making them whenever possible because like you say, they are in the for an eternity! Thanks, I’m going to try your version! (You have just made a very happy middle aged man!) Thanks!
My husband is always happy when he’s sees these are on the meal plan. :)
I have never made scallped potatoes but you make it look so easy and delicious.
This recipe is easily halved or quartered to give it a little taste as a side dish.
Scalloped potatoes were one of my favorites too! Surprised I’ve never tried it with ham before!
both versions are awesome but I like the smokiness from the ham.
Ahh this brings back memories as a child when I mom used to cook this on cold days. Looks great!
Thank you, Derek. Moms are the best! (Dad’s, too!) ;)
Yum! Scalloped potatoes are one of my favorite things, we always make them for the holidays. I love that you add the ham straight into them!
Yes, when we do, it’s usually left over ham from a holiday dinner or it makes a nice side dish.