This scalloped potatoes for two recipe is exactly what I turn to when I've got leftover ham and don't want five days of the same dinner. It's made in individual baking dishes, so it's sized right for two - no giant casserole dish, no math to cut a recipe down.
The sauce is really what sells this recipe. A simple white sauce with a spoonful of mayonnaise stirred in at the end. It sounds like a strange addition, but it's what keeps this in my regular rotation instead of a box of instant potatoes.
In this post:
- How to make scalloped potatoes for two with leftover ham in about an hour.
- The one mistake that leaves the potatoes un dercooked.
- How to make it ahead or freeze it.
- Answers to the substitution questions I get asked most.
Jump to:
Why I Like to Make Recipes for Two
I've been an empty-nester for a few years now, and eating the same leftovers for days always gets old fast. That's really why I started making recipes for two. It means more variety without giving up the comfort food I love, just in smaller batches.
I also have a thing for mini dishes and small plates. My serving dish collection has gotten a little out of hand, but I regret nothing!
The Easiest Scalloped Potatoes for Two
What makes this scalloped potatoes for two recipe easy is the mandoline. Running the potatoes through it keeps every slice the same thickness, so they all cook evenly instead of some pieces turning mushy while others are still firm.
The sauce comes together in one saucepan while I slice the potatoes, so there's no juggling multiple pans or extra steps. Layer everything, bake, and it's done.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Potatoes: I always reach for Yukon Golds here. That buttery flavor and golden color hold up well once baked. Russets work in a pinch, but they turn out starchier and less creamy.
Ham: Any leftover ham will work. I used the leftover ham from this Cider Bourbon Glazed Ham, but you can also buy individual ham slices and dice them up.
Bouillion Base: I use Better than Bouillon here. It dissolves right into the sauce and adds a savory depth you won't get from bouillon cubes. Don't skip it.
Cooking Spray: I highly recommend coating the baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
A Few Ways to Make This Your Own
Since this bakes in two individual dishes, it's easy to change each one up separately. Stir about ½ cup of shredded cheddar into the white sauce and you've basically got au gratin potatoes instead. Or, keep one dish plain and cheese the other. Nobody has to compromise on this one.
For a crispy golden top, sprinkle a hard cheese like Parmesan or Asiago over the potatoes before it goes in the oven.
Storage and Make Ahead
You can assemble this a day ahead - layer the ham, potatoes, and sauce in the baking dishes, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit out about 20 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly, and plan on a few extra minutes since it's starting cold.
To freeze, bake it first, then cool completely and wrap the dishes tightly. It'll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. I reheat mine in the oven, not the microwave. It keeps the potatoes from going rubbery.
You Might Be Wondering
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt works fine in its place. It'll just be a touch tangier.
Yes, this scales up easily. Use a bigger baking dish and add another 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Swap in a dairy-free milk and butter. The bouillon base and mayo are already dairy free, so that's most of the work done.
Almost always the slices are too thick. Aim for about ⅛ inch (a mandoline makes this easy) or they won't be tender in the bake time.
Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup works if you want to skip the roux. Thin it with a splash of milk so it spreads easily between the layers.
Serve with...
Since this is a side dish, you'll want something to serve it with. Easy BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves or Honey Chipotle Chicken both work well as a main. And, if you want dessert on the table too, the Keto Chocolate Mug Cake is my go to. It's made right in the microwave!
If you give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below to let me know how you liked it. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Scalloped Potatoes for Two
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Ingredients
- 2-½ cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1-½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon bouillon base
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter until bubbly. Stir in the onion and cook for 2 minutes, or until translucent.
- Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the milk and bouillon base. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken. Turn off the heat and whisk in the mayonnaise.
- Place some ham at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover with a layer of sliced potatoes, then cover with a portion of the white sauce. Add one more layer of ham and potatoes and cover with sauce. Divide this evenly between both baking dishes if using two gratin dishes.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake for 20 minutes more, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Optional: Turn the broiler on high and broil the top of the potatoes for 1 minute, or until the potatoes begin to crisp and brown on the top. Cool at least 10 minutes prior to serving.
Deborah Kabitzke says
This was a hit wtih my husband and me. Thank you for a recipe for two! This was a main dish for us and was plenty filling. I served it with sweet peas on the side. I baked it in my Ninja Foodi flip air fryer, following the recipe adding shredded cheddar on the top. I adjusted the baking time:, 375 for 25 minutes and 350 for 10 minutes. The cheese melted and browned up with no need to turn on the broiler.