Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour
Introduction
Scalloped potatoes are a beloved comfort food, perfect for any holiday gathering or family dinner. This dish features layers of tender potatoes and onions, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted Cheddar cheese. The result is a deliciously indulgent side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roast beef to baked ham. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the best scalloped potatoes recipe, ensuring a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Scalloped Potatoes – Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your scalloped potatoes will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish and make for easier cleanup.
- Layer the Potatoes and Onions: Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with a layer of thinly sliced onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, creating a layered effect.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. Season the cream with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the Cream Over the Potatoes: Carefully pour the hot cream mixture over the layered potatoes and onions. The cream will seep through the layers, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Dot with Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and dot it over the top of the potatoes. This will add richness and help create a golden-brown crust.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, bubbly crust as the potatoes bake.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish; the potatoes should be soft and easily pierced.
- Cool and Serve: Once the scalloped potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for scalloped potatoes. They absorb the cream well and become tender and flavorful.
- Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure that your potato slices are even. This helps them cook uniformly and creates a more attractive presentation.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season each layer of potatoes and onions with salt and pepper. This ensures that the entire dish is well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Add Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture. These herbs complement the richness of the dish and add a fragrant aroma.
Variations on this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
- Garlic Scalloped Potatoes: Add minced garlic to the cream mixture for a subtle garlic flavor.
- Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers of potatoes for a smoky, savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast Beef: The rich, creamy potatoes complement the savory flavors of roast beef.
- Baked Ham: The sweetness of baked ham pairs beautifully with the cheesy, creamy potatoes.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve scalloped potatoes alongside grilled chicken for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: Reheat scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Watery Potatoes: If your scalloped potatoes turn out watery, it may be due to using low-starch potatoes or not baking them long enough. Ensure you use starchy potatoes and bake until the cream is fully absorbed.
- Burnt Top: If the top of your scalloped potatoes is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to allow the top to brown.
Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This scalloped potatoes recipe is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With this ultimate recipe, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Try Reading: Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes
Or Try: Red Lobster Potato Soup
Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Scalloped potatoes are a beloved comfort food, perfect for any holiday gathering or family dinner. This dish features layers of tender potatoes and onions, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted Cheddar cheese. The result is a deliciously indulgent side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roast beef to baked ham. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the best scalloped potatoes, ensuring a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your scalloped potatoes will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish and make for easier cleanup.
- Layer the Potatoes and Onions: Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with a layer of thinly sliced onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, creating a layered effect.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. Season the cream with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the Cream Over the Potatoes: Carefully pour the hot cream mixture over the layered potatoes and onions. The cream will seep through the layers, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Dot with Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and dot it over the top of the potatoes. This will add richness and help create a golden-brown crust.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, bubbly crust as the potatoes bake.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish; the potatoes should be soft and easily pierced.
- Cool and Serve: Once the scalloped potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Nutrition
Calories: 372.5kcalCarbohydrates: 21.9gProtein: 7.3gFat: 29.2gSaturated Fat: 18.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 88.9mgSodium: 137.9mgPotassium: 536.7mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 3.2gVitamin A: 1106.1IUVitamin C: 22.4mgCalcium: 155.9mgIron: 0.9mg
