Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. Rich, creamy, and layered with melted cheese, this classic side dish is a staple at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and casual weeknight meals alike. Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy roast, a tender steak, or just as a standalone treat, scalloped potatoes never fail to impress.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect scalloped potatoes recipe, you’re in for a real treat! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, essential tips, and variations that will elevate your scalloped potatoes to a whole new level. We’ll also offer some serving suggestions to help you round out the perfect meal.
What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are a baked dish consisting of thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy sauce, often made with butter, cream, and cheese. Unlike au gratin potatoes (which include cheese in every layer), scalloped potatoes traditionally focus on a creamy sauce base, with or without cheese. This dish has been around for centuries, with roots in French cuisine, and it continues to be a beloved side for its rich flavor and comforting texture.
Key Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes
Creating the perfect scalloped potatoes starts with the right ingredients. While the dish may seem simple at first glance, choosing high-quality components will ensure it turns out absolutely delicious. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients needed for the most flavorful scalloped potatoes.
Potatoes
The star of the dish! For the best texture and flavor, you’ll want to choose a waxy variety of potato, such as Yukon Golds or red potatoes. These types of potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, resulting in a creamy, non-soggy final product. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to break down too much in the sauce.
- Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes:
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Red potatoes
- Fingerling potatoes (for a more unique presentation)
Dairy: Heavy Cream, Milk, and Butter
The creamy sauce that binds the layers of potatoes is what makes scalloped potatoes so indulgent. A combination of heavy cream and milk creates a smooth, velvety sauce that envelops the potatoes. Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- For a richer sauce: You can substitute some of the milk with half-and-half or even more heavy cream, depending on your preference for richness.
- If you’re cutting back on calories: You can replace heavy cream with whole milk or use a blend of milk and chicken broth.
Cheese
While traditional scalloped potatoes recipes might not include cheese, adding cheese to the layers makes the dish even more indulgent. A good melting cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina works beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer throughout the dish.
- Best Cheeses for Scalloped Potatoes:
- Sharp Cheddar (classic)
- Gruyère (adds a nutty flavor)
- Fontina (mild and creamy)
- Monterey Jack (creamy and smooth)
Seasonings
Simple seasonings like garlic, onion, salt, and pepper form the base flavor of scalloped potatoes. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley also complement the dish’s richness.
- Optional Add-ins: Fresh garlic (sautéed or raw), nutmeg, cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or Dijon mustard for an extra tangy kick.
Preparing the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s break down the preparation steps to make sure your scalloped potatoes come out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Slice the Potatoes
The first step is to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandolin slicer works great for achieving uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick — too thin and they might dissolve into the sauce; too thick and they may not cook through properly.
- Tip: If you prefer the texture of a heartier scalloped potato, you can slice the potatoes a bit thicker, but remember that it will take longer to cook.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and onions and sauté until they are fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
- Tip: For a smoother sauce, ensure that you whisk constantly when adding the liquid to avoid lumps.
Once the sauce has thickened and starts to bubble gently, stir in your cheese, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Now comes the fun part! In a buttered baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish is ideal), begin layering the sliced potatoes. Add a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a generous spoonful of the creamy sauce. Continue layering, making sure the potatoes are evenly covered with the sauce.
- Tip: For the best texture, try not to pack the potatoes too tightly. They should be layered but with a little room for the sauce to settle in between.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Once your potatoes are layered and sauced, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Tip: If the top isn’t golden enough, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to get that beautiful, crispy, cheesy crust.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes Every Time
Even though the process of making scalloped potatoes is straightforward, a few key tips can help you perfect this dish.
1. Prevent Soggy Potatoes
To avoid soggy potatoes, make sure your potatoes are sliced evenly and that the sauce isn’t too watery. If you find that the sauce is too runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken before adding it to the potatoes.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let the cream and milk come to room temperature before adding them to the sauce. This will help the sauce come together more smoothly without curdling.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
After baking, let your scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to slice.
4. For Extra Creaminess, Add Sour Cream
If you love extra creamy scalloped potatoes, a dollop of sour cream added to the sauce will make it even more indulgent.
Variations of Scalloped Potatoes
While the classic scalloped potatoes recipe is unbeatable, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Here are a few variations that can help you customize the dish to your taste.
1. Garlic Herb Scalloped Potatoes
Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to your cream sauce for a fragrant and flavorful twist. You can also incorporate roasted garlic for extra depth.
2. Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
Who doesn’t love the smoky, savory flavor of bacon? Add crispy bacon bits to the layers for a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor.
3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
While the traditional recipe doesn’t always include cheese, a handful of grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère added to the sauce takes the dish to a new level. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top before baking.
4. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
For a plant-based version, swap out the cream and butter for coconut milk and dairy-free butter. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheese, giving it a cheesy, umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with many main courses. Here are some delicious ideas for serving:
- Roast Chicken: The creamy potatoes complement the juicy, flavorful chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Steak: Scalloped potatoes add richness to a tender, smoky steak.
- Vegetable-Based Meals: Pair them with roasted vegetables or a green salad for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Holiday Feasts: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, scalloped potatoes are a festive side that everyone will rave about.
Conclusion: A Perfect Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the perfect balance of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just to treat your loved ones on a weeknight, these potatoes will never disappoint.
With the right ingredients, a little patience, and the tips shared here, you’ll be able to make the perfect scalloped potatoes every time. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
I hope this detailed recipe guide helps you create your very own perfect scalloped potatoes! Happy cooking!
Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
4 large Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon flour all-purpose
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese grated
Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. If possible, use a mandolin slicer to ensure uniform thickness.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the flour to the pan and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5: Stir in the cheeses, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Layer the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. Continue layering, ending with a final layer of sauce.
Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Variations: Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different taste.
- For extra creaminess: You can replace part of the milk with sour cream or add a dollop to the