Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• Creamy & Comforting: The rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender potatoes makes this a satisfying and comforting dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for serving a crowd at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients like potatoes, butter, garlic, cream, and cheese, making it easy to prepare.
• Customizable: You can easily add ingredients like ham, bacon, or additional herbs to make it your own.

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Key Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes

1. Potatoes

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish. Russets have a starchy texture that helps thicken the sauce, while Yukon Golds are creamier and hold their shape well.

2. Butter

• Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. It helps to create the base for the creamy mixture.

3. Garlic

• Fresh garlic adds a subtle, savory depth to the sauce, complementing the creamy cheese and potatoes.

4. Heavy Cream & Milk

• A combination of heavy cream and milk creates the smooth, rich sauce that coats the potatoes. You can also use half-and-half as a substitute.

5. Cheese

• Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese is commonly used for its ability to melt well and add a savory, tangy flavor. You can mix it up with Parmesan or other cheeses for extra flavor.

6. Nutmeg & Thyme (Optional)

• A pinch of nutmeg and fresh thyme adds a warm, slightly earthy flavor to the creamy sauce, giving the dish a subtle depth.

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How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Making scalloped potatoes involves layering thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce, then baking until golden and bubbly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Peel and thinly slice 2 1/2 pounds of potatoes (about 4-5 large potatoes) into 1/8-inch slices. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even, thin slices.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden.
• Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

• Arrange a third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour a third of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese.
• Repeat the process with two more layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

• Let the scalloped potatoes cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

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Tips for Making the Best Scalloped Potatoes

1. Slice Potatoes Evenly

• Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. This ensures the potatoes cook uniformly.

2. Use Starchy Potatoes

• Russet potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes because their high starch content helps thicken the sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice for a creamier texture.

3. Add Extra Flavor

• You can add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. Bacon bits or ham can also be added for a heartier dish.

4. Bake Until Golden

• Make sure to bake the potatoes long enough for the top to turn golden and bubbly. This ensures the potatoes are tender and the cheese has fully melted.

5. Let It Rest

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve.

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Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Add an extra cup of cheese for a richer, cheesier version of scalloped potatoes. You can also mix cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan for more flavor.

2. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

• Add 1 cup of diced cooked ham to the potato layers for a heartier, more filling dish. This makes it a perfect main course.

3. Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

• Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

4. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Swap out half or all of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich version of this classic dish.

5. Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon

• Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers of potatoes for a smoky, savory twist. This adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.

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FAQs: Scalloped Potatoes

1. What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin Potatoes?

• Scalloped potatoes are typically made with a cream sauce and sometimes cheese, while au gratin potatoes always include a layer of grated cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.

2. Can I Make Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes a day in advance, cover them, and refrigerate. Bake them when ready to serve, or reheat if already baked.

3. How Do I Store Leftover Scalloped Potatoes?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave.

4. Can I Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?

• Yes, scalloped potatoes can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. What’s the Best Cheese to Use?

• Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or a combination of both work best for scalloped potatoes. These cheeses melt well and add a rich, savory flavor.

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