My hearty, filling, delicious Instant Pot scalloped potatoes and ham is a real crowd pleaser that’s so easy to put together. I make this pretty much any time I have leftover ham!
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My Family Recipe for Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
My Instant Pot scalloped potatoes and ham first became a staple in my kitchen after one Easter when I realized we still had a ton of leftover ham and absolutely no interest in reheating the same meal again.
I wanted something familiar and comforting, but didn’t feel like standing over the stove. When my husband suggested “something with potatoes,” a light bulb went off in my head!
I’ve made scalloped potatoes and ham on the stovetop and baked them in the oven plenty of times, and while they’re great, they always seem to require more time and babysitting than I expect. Deciding to use my Instant Pot was a game changer!
Now, this is my go-to for using up leftover ham in a way that actually feels exciting instead of like a cleanup meal. It’s one of those easy Instant Pot recipes that makes tasty comfort food so easy. And Leah loves the mix between the cheesy potatoes and ham!
For more potato recipes, check out my air fryer potatoes and onions, twice baked potatoes, smothered potatoes, and Mississippi pot roast with potatoes and carrots!
Instant Pot Ham and Potatoes Ingredients
- Yukon gold potatoes – I prefer these for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape and stay creamy. The starch also prevents the cream from curdling.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – This adds moisture and flavor while helping the sliced potatoes cook evenly under pressure.
- Heavy cream – I use this to create that rich, classic cheesy sauce without worrying about curdling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar melts beautifully and gives the sauce its comforting flavor.
- Diced ham – I love making this recipe when I have leftover ham, but any fully cooked ham works well.
- Garlic powder – Adds flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- Dried thyme – I like the subtle herbiness it brings to balance the richness of the dish.
- Salt and black pepper – These bring everything together and enhance the overall flavor.
How to make Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (the dish will bake at the end).
STEP TWO: Place the sliced potatoes in the Instant Pot and then pour the broth inside. Add the garlic powder, salt, thyme, and pepper on top and stir to combine. Cook on Manual High for 1 minute and then perform a quick release when the timer goes off. Once all of the remaining pressure has been released, press Cancel.
STEP THREE: Use a slotted spoon to remove half of the potatoes from the Instant Pot. Place them in a small oven-safe dish and then sprinkle half of the ham over them. Add the rest of the potatoes, being sure to leave any broth inside the Instant Pot.
STEP FOUR: Press Sauté, add the cream into the Instant Pot, and bring it to a simmer. Press Cancel and then stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and combined. Add the rest of the ham.
STEP FIVE: Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and toss to combine. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly. Broil them on high for 2-3 minutes. When the top is golden brown, remove it from the oven and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
- To make sure my potatoes cook evenly, I slice the potatoes as close to the same thickness as possible.
- Because ham and cheese are already pretty salty, I only add a small amount of salt to the potatoes. I can always add more salt later if I want, but I can’t take any back!
- I use Yukon gold potatoes because of their high starch content. Waxy potatoes can make the whole dish watery.
- I double-check that the Instant Pot valve is set to sealing after I close the lid. Otherwise, the pot won’t be able to come up to pressure.
- Gently stirring the sliced potatoes after adding the cheese sauce ensures everything is well-coated.
- Broiling for 2-3 minutes at the very end is the key to getting that beautiful golden brown layer on top!
Instant Pot Ham and Potatoes Variations and Substitutions
- If I’m in the mood for some onion, I stir in diced onion with the potatoes before pressure cooking.
- To change up the cheesy sauce, I sometimes swap cheddar for Gruyère or a sharp white cheddar.
- For a smokier flavor, I use smoked ham instead of regular diced ham.
- When I want to dial up the herby flavor, I sprinkle some fresh thyme on top before serving.
- If I don’t have any leftover ham but want something similar, I’ll substitute cooked sausage or bacon pieces.
- To finish the dish without using the oven, layer everything in the Instant Pot likethe oven dish, then air fry it for 10 minutes.
What To Serve with Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
If I want to serve some veggies alongside this hearty dish, I love making caramelized brussels sprouts, roasted asparagus, air fryer mushrooms, or garlic green beans.
When I’m in the mood for lots of cozy comfort, I pair scalloped potatoes and ham with sweet potato cornbread or air fryer biscuits!
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham FAQs
How do I keep cream from curdling in scalloped potatoes?
Using starchy potatoes is the key! I usually use Yukon Gold, but russet or Idaho potatoes will also work. The starch thickens the sauce and helps prevent it from curdling.
Why did my scalloped potatoes and ham get watery?
The only time my scalloped potatoes got watery was when I used waxy potatoes, which released too much moisture and didn’t have enough starch to thicken up the sauce. That’s why I always stick to high starch varieties for this dish!
How to store leftovers
I let my leftover scalloped potatoes and ham fully cool before storing my leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days!
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant pot pork chops
- Instant pot pork loin
- Instant pot mac and cheese
- Instant pot beef stroganoff
- Instant pot mashed potatoes and garlic
Easy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes ¼-inch slices
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces diced ham divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the sliced potatoes in the Instant Pot. Pour over the broth, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, thyme, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Cook on Manual High for 1 minute. Perform a quick release of the remaining pressure when the timer goes off. Press Cancel.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the potatoes to a small oven-safe dish. Sprinkle half of the ham over the potatoes, then spoon the remaining potatoes over, leaving any broth behind.
- Press Saute. Add the cream to the pot and bring it to a simmer, then press Cancel and stir in 1 cup of cheese. Whisk until melted and combined. Stir in the remaining ham.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, gently tossing to combine. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly, then broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Slice the potatoes as close to the same thickness as possible so they cook evenly.
- Because ham and cheese are already pretty salty, only add a small amount of salt to the potatoes.
- I use Yukon gold potatoes because of their high starch content. Waxy potatoes can make the whole dish watery.
- Double-check that the Instant Pot valve is set to sealing after closing the lid. Otherwise, the pot won’t be able to come up to pressure.
- Gently stirring the sliced potatoes after adding the cheese sauce ensures everything is well-coated.
- Broiling for 2-3 minutes at the very end is the key to getting that beautiful golden brown layer on top!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I made this for my parents tonight and they loved it! I made it almost verbatim but I did put in half an onion, chopped (half sprinkled into the first batch of potatoes with the first batch of ham and the other half into the sauce).
Mom said it was the best scalloped potatoes she’d ever had.
I’m going to make this for my next pot luck.