Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

I’ve added some videos on YouTube that I found super helpful to give you some options to choose from. Now, let’s dive into the world of creamy, cheesy goodness, perfect for any holiday side dish or just a night of pure comfort food indulgence!

This easy scalloped potatoes recipe symbolizes everything you love about homemade scalloped potatoes, from their cheesy, creamy specialness to their versatility. Whether you’re making Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes or getting fancy with Potatoes Au Gratin with Smoked Sausage, there’s a variation for every taste bud.

Here are a few notes to keep you in the loop about cheesy scalloped potatoes vs. Au Gratin Potatoes: while they might seem like twins, cheese is the secret identity of Au Gratin Potatoes. But don’t worry, our scalloped potatoes have plenty of cheese to keep everyone happy. Stacking up with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, herbs, and melted cheese layers, you can even add ham to turn this side dish into the main event! Get ready to wow your taste buds with this ultimate comfort food recipe. Bon appétit!

Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes

When preparing this classic comfort dish, selecting the right scalloped potatoes ingredients is essential for achieving the perfect creamy texture and rich flavor.

• Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties provide the ideal starch content needed to thicken the sauce.
• A mandoline slicer: To ensure uniformly thin slices, aim for a thickness between 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch.
• Yellow onion and unsalted butter: These aromatics add depth and richness to the dish.
• All-purpose flour and kosher salt: Used to create a roux for the sauce.
• Cooking with whole milk: Incorporating whole milk yields a creamy texture that is difficult to achieve with lower-fat alternatives.
• Cheddar cheese: Mild cheddar provides a decadent richness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, bringing out the flavors of each component.

These scalloped potatoes ingredients ensure a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Ready to create a delightful, cheesy potato casserole? Follow these simple steps for making scalloped potatoes, a holiday recipe that’s bound to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Slices

• Peel and thinly slice your potatoes and onions.
• Layer the potato and onion slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Pour

• Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
• Pour this mixture evenly over the potato and onion layers in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

For an extra touch, set the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.

Tips for the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Creating the perfect scalloped potatoes requires careful selection of ingredients and attention to technique. Choosing the right type of potato is crucial; Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their ability to soften and blend effortlessly into the creamy sauce. Utilizing a mandoline slicer ensures that your potato slices are uniformly thin, promoting even cooking and a consistent texture throughout your dish.

To build a rich and flavorful creamy potato casserole, whole milk and mild cheddar cheese are your go-to components. Whole milk provides a creamy base that is rich yet balanced. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other varieties to suit your taste preferences. Consider layering in some cooked ham for a heartier version that can serve as a main course.

Maintaining the perfect consistency in your sauce is key. Overheating can cause the sauce to boil and split, so monitor the cooking process closely. Assembling the dish in layers ensures that flavors distribute evenly. Once baked, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest at room temperature before serving. This step helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. With these scalloped potato tips, your dish will undoubtedly be a hit during holiday gatherings, elevating your holiday cooking to the next level.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients for scalloped potatoes?

The key ingredients for classic scalloped potatoes include Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for their ideal starch content, a yellow onion, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, whole milk, and mild cheddar cheese. These ingredients combine to create the signature creamy texture and rich flavor of this beloved dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese in my scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely! While mild cheddar is traditional, you can use other types of cheese based on your preference. Popular alternatives include Gruyère, Parmesan, or a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also add a unique twist to your scalloped potatoes.

How do I achieve evenly sliced potatoes?

To achieve uniformly thin slices, a mandoline slicer is recommended. This tool helps you slice the potatoes to the ideal thickness, between 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch, ensuring even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and Potatoes Au Gratin?

The main difference lies in the use of cheese. Scalloped potatoes typically don’t include cheese in the sauce, whereas Potatoes Au Gratin do. Cheesy scalloped potatoes combine elements of both, featuring a creamy sauce with melty cheese.

How can I add extra flavor to my scalloped potatoes?

To add extra flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cream sauce. Additionally, a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the creamy flavor. For a hearty variation, the addition of ham or smoked sausage can transform the dish into a satisfying main course.

What is the best way to ensure my scalloped potatoes are creamy and not runny?

Using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes helps as their starch content thickens the sauce. Gradually add whole milk while stirring to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce. Monitor the cooking process to avoid boiling and splitting the sauce. Letting the dish stand at room temperature before serving also helps the layers set and achieve a creamy consistency.

How do I make sure the top layer of my scalloped potatoes is golden and crispy?

To achieve a golden-brown topping, cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to allow the potatoes to cook through. Remove the foil towards the end and set the oven to broil for a few minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. This step creates a crispy, cheesy crust on top.