Creamy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

 

We here in the Midwest are buckling down today for our first major winter storm tomorrow.  Lots of snow, lots of wind, lots of time spent looking out the window.  I have a feeling I'll be working from home tomorrow a bit or working on Friday instead {my usual day off}.

 

The husband is working a double shift in the horrible weather tomorrow....so the kids and I will be hunkered down at home.  I'm thinking another batch of Christmas sugar cookies are in store.  Plus decorating.  Which will probably include sugar, sprinkles and crumbs all over the house, but oh well, what else will I have to do?

 

I'm going to try and make it a fun 'snow day'.

 

Okay, let's talk about scalloped potatoes.  Every single attempt I've made at making this dish has failed.  I've tried a number of recipes - ones you bake, ones you put in the crock pot, they all turned out horrible.

 

Usually mushy and flavorless.

 

Even when I told the husband we were having this the other night, I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes.  He's never liked my attempts either.

 

But...

 

I came across a recipe the other day and adapted it to what I had on hand.  You guys, it turned out awesome.  I almost wanted to just plant my face in my potatoes like Ralphie's brother on A Christmas Story and gobble them up.

 

Even better, it made 1 1/2 pans.  So I've got another dish, just like this one, waiting for me in the deep freeze.

 

Creamy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

{Print this Recipe!}

8 baking potatoes, washed and sliced very thin

2 c. cubed ham

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. shredded provolone cheese

2 c. whole milk

1 c. ranch dressing

1/4 c. flour

1 t. pepper

3 t. onion flakes

 

Grease a very large casserole dish, or grease two smaller dishes.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Using a mandolin {or carefully using a sharp knife} cut potatoes into very thin slices {almost transparent}.  Place in a bowl of cold water.  When finished drain and pat dry.

 

In a large microwave safe bowl combine milk and ranch dressing.  Heat this mixture until warm {not boiling}.  Whisk in flour and pepper and set aside.

 

Layer as follows: potatoes, ham, 1 c. cheddar cheese, 1 c. milk mixture, 1 t. onion flakes.  Then again potatoes, ham, 1 c. provolone cheese, 1 c. milk mixture, 1 t. onion flakes.  Then the last layer, potatoes, ham, 1 c. cheddar cheese, 1 c. milk mixture, 1 t. onion flakes.

 

Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

You have got to try this recipe over the holidays.  It would be a real crowd pleaser!  Not to mention makes a good amount.

Thought I'd give you a hint of what is coming on the blog.  I have quite a few recipes backed up and ready to go {very much unlike me!}.  So here you go!

• Raspberry Thumbprint Drops
• Deep Dish Spinach Artichoke Pizza
• Black-n-White Crinkle Cookies
• D.I.Y. Flavored Butters