1/31/12

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham, Crockpot Easy with only 4 Ingredients

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes made in the Slow Cooker.
This recipe was inspired by something I saw in a Church cookbook called "Pitch-in from the Pews" from my home Church, Christ Lutheran of Noblesville, Indiana.  Carolyn Drahn contributes a recipe that I have adapted here.

What attracts me to this is again my best friend who requested easy recipes with just a few on hand ingredients.  True confession, I had never made scalloped potatoes from a box but my late Mother-in -law did and they were good.  So there was nothing to discourage me from moving forward!!

For ease of cleaning I sprayed the inside of my slow cooker with cooking spray at the start.

Basic Ingredients:
1 box of scalloped potatoes
1 box of Au gratin potatoes
1-2 C. diced ham (or you could use smoked sausage or hot dogs)
1/2 t. black pepper
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Optional Add On Ingredients:
1/2-3/4 C. sour cream, Optional
1 T. snipped fresh chives or parsley, Optional (use 1/2 stated amount if using dried herbs)

 
Combine the 2 boxes of potatoes and mix them together following the package directions in the slow cooker.  I used both boxes the same brand and size for the sake of ease.  The directions were identical
so I just doubled the water, milk, and butter.  I used Hungry Jack because they were on sale the day this was on my shopping list. Cover and heat on high for about 20-30 minutes.  Just to get it going.  Add the meat and reduce theheat to low and cook 4-6 hours.   About 30 minutes before serving time I  tasted to correct the seasoning then stirred in about 3/4 C. sour cream and a tablespoon of snipped fresh parsley to up the ante a bit!!  The yield was eight or ten very generous servings and then some.

My plan was to use this as our main course and add Cole slaw and a fruit crumble for dessert.  It was just great and I will make it again.

If I still worked outside my home this would be terrific to throw together before heading out in the morning,  I think it might be ideal for a family get together and pitch ins too.  Our crowd is always big on potatoes.  I will probably reinvent this for breakfast heated up with a couple of fried eggs on top.....maybe salsa on the side????Any way I look at this I get a lot of mileage out of it!!

2 comments:

Tina said...

I love the method of preparation here-crockpots are great helpers in the kitchen. Also, the blend of cheese and ham does look like a perfect way to amp up the flavor of potatoes. Delicious post!

Diane Cosby said...

Thanks so much. It did turn out well and the spot of sour cream.....oh la la!!