Can You Freeze Scalloped Potatoes and Ham? The Ultimate Guide

Scalloped potatoes and ham is a classic comfort food that is perfect for feeding a crowd. The creamy potatoes paired with salty ham makes for a delicious combination. But when you are cooking for a large group, it can be time consuming to prepare it fresh. Luckily, this dish freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time when you have the time and then just reheat it when needed.

Benefits of Freezing Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

There are several advantages to preparing scalloped potatoes and ham in advance and freezing it:

• Saves time – You can make a large batch when you aren’t rushed and then freeze in portions. This saves you from having to cook the dish from scratch when you need it.

• Make ahead for events – If you are having a large dinner party family gathering, or other event, you can get some cooking out of the way by making and freezing this dish ahead of time.

• Always have it on hand – Freezing means you can always have some cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham ready to reheat for a quick weeknight meal or easy side dish

• Avoid waste – Making a large batch and freezing the leftovers means you won’t end up wasting any ingredients.

• Cost effective – Buying ingredients like cheese, cream, and ham in bulk when they are on sale saves money compared to buying just what you need each time.

How to Freeze Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

1. Prepare the dish – Make the scalloped potatoes and ham according to your favorite recipe. Be sure to completely cook the potatoes through since they will not finish cooking when reheated from frozen

2. Let it cool – The mixture needs to be completely cooled before freezing, otherwise you risk freezing bacteria that can develop in the temperature “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

3. Portion it out – For convenience, divide the cooled mixture into individual or family-sized portions in reusable containers, disposable aluminum pans, or freezer bags.

4. Remove air – Exclude as much air as possible by pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing containers or using a straw to suck out extra air from bags. Air causes freezer burn.

5. Label – Clearly label each container or bag with the contents and date. This avoids mystery leftovers down the road.

6. Freeze quickly – Place containers or bags flat in a single layer on freezer shelves until completely frozen, at least overnight. Quick freezing prevents large ice crystals from forming and altering the texture.

7. Use within 3-6 months – For best quality and food safety, use frozen scalloped potatoes and ham within 3-6 months. Mark your calendar when freezing if needed.

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these tips for delicious scalloped potatoes and ham every time you reheat it from frozen:

• Use freezer-safe, oven-safe containers or aluminum pans that can go straight from freezer to oven to avoid an extra transfer step.

• Place a layer of parchment under the aluminum pans to catch any bubbles over.

• Preheat your oven at least 15 minutes before reheating to ensure it’s fully heated.

• Reheat frozen scalloped potatoes and ham covered in a 350°F oven for around 60 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Add extra time if refrigerated first.

• Check for doneness and continue reheating if the center is still cold. A food thermometer should read 165°F.

• If pan is uncovered, keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning the top. Broil the last 3-5 minutes to re-crisp it.

• Stir halfway through reheating for more even results, especially if different size portions were frozen.

• Add a splash of milk or cream if the dish seems dry after reheating.

What Ingredients Work Best?

The ingredients you use will impact how well the dish reheats after freezing. Follow these guidelines:

Potatoes – Starchy russet potatoes hold up best. Avoid red or yellow potatoes that can become mushy.

Cheese – Harder cheeses like cheddar, gruyere or parmesan freeze best compared to softer cheeses. Shred or dice into small pieces so it reheats smoothly.

Cream/Milk – Use half and half, cream or evaporated milk since the fat helps prevent curdling or separating when reheated.

Ham – Fully cooked ham retains the best texture when frozen and reheated compared to raw pork. Pre-dice it into small pieces for even reheating.

Herbs/spices – Frozen herbs and ground spices hold up fine. Avoid fresh herbs as they will turn black. Add those as a garnish after reheating.

Onions – Onions can become slimy from extended freezing. Saute onions first for best results.

What Should Be Avoided?

There are a few things that don’t hold up well when scalloped potatoes and ham are frozen:

• Raw potatoes or potatoes that are undercooked – these will remain crunchy even after reheating.

• Uncooked ham or sausage – raw pork needs to reach a food safe temperature of 145°F and does not continue cooking once frozen.

• Soft, high moisture cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella – they leach liquid and change texture when frozen.

• Non-fat or low fat dairy – the fat helps prevent separation and curdling when reheated.

• Fresh herbs or crumb toppings – these become soggy and mushy during freezing. Add them fresh after reheating.

• Mayonnaise or sour cream – dairy-based sauces break down during freezing. Make a sauce with cream and starch instead.

Following these dos and don’ts will ensure your scalloped potatoes and ham turn out perfectly cooked and creamy every time, whether making it fresh or reheating from the freezer. Now you can always have this classic comfort food ready in a pinch.