These delectable Scalloped Potatoes are a divine treat, with layers of velvety cheese that melt in your mouth. Prepared with care, they are the epitome of comfort food perfection. Each mouthwatering bite invites you to savor the rich flavors that make this dish a beloved classic.
Delicious Scalloped Potatoes, a timeless and effortless recipe, make the perfect addition to your Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even a simple Sunday dinner. They are a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to any occasion.
Create this delectable side dish by layering thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a simple homemade cream sauce, then bake the dish until it becomes tender, golden, and bubbling with goodness. Potato perfection!
An Easy Classic
When it comes to potato side dishes, ranging from Oven Roasted Potatoes to Perfect Baked Potatoes, few can rival the comforting essence of creamy Scalloped Potatoes. These velvety delights, alongside their creamy buttery mashed counterparts, are the epitome of comfort food.
What precisely do Scalloped Potatoes entail?
The term “scallop,” originating in England, describes the technique of slicing the potatoes. Delicately layer thin and uniformly cut potatoes in a casserole dish, generously coat them with a well-seasoned onion cream sauce, and bake the dish to perfection. As a result, this delightful recipe yields a scrumptious dish of Scalloped Potatoes!
Ingredients
- When it comes to potatoes, Yukon gold or red potatoes are an excellent choice due to their tender skin, which eliminates the need for peeling. These varieties also hold their shape well during cooking. Alternatively, Russet or Idaho potatoes can be used, but they have a tendency to break apart more easily while still delivering a delicious taste.
- In this recipe, the addition of onions brings a delightful burst of flavor that perfectly complements the dish. These culinary staples are timeless and never fail to enhance the overall taste.
- You can effortlessly prepare a quick and versatile cream sauce by combining flour, butter, milk, and broth. If a cheesy twist is desired, simply take the sauce off the heat and gently incorporate a generous handful or two of shredded cheese. The natural warmth of the sauce will seamlessly melt the cheese into a luscious blend.
- In this recipe, the seasonings are kept simple with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. However, you have the freedom to personalize it by adding your own favorite herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
A step-by-step guide on preparing Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to making homemade Scalloped Potatoes, it might take some time, but the process is actually quite simple. Authentic scalloped potatoes traditionally do not include cheese, but on occasion, we may choose to add a small amount for a subtle twist.
Thinly slice the potatoes and onions.
Craft your own sauce using the following homemade recipe.
Layer the potatoes, onions, and sauce together, cover the dish, and bake it in the oven.
After removing the foil, continue baking for a little longer. This crucial step results in the creation of a delectable golden crust on the Scalloped Potatoes.
It is recommended to allow the sauce to thicken by cooling it for about 20 minutes before serving.
Are you looking to create the perfect scalloped potatoes? Here are some helpful tips that will guide
In order to ensure the uniform cooking of scalloped potatoes, it is important to slice the potatoes evenly.
- Use a mandoline to make this job extra quick (a $25 mandoline like this one does a great job and will save you lots of time).
- The foundation of a creamy sauce is created by making a roux. A roux is simply a mixture of fat, usually butter, and flour, cooked together and then combined with liquid to produce a sauce.
- If the decision is made to incorporate cheese into the sauce, resulting in a delectable dish known as Potatoes Au Gratin, the sauce should be removed from the stove. Then, gently stir in 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cheese, with cheddar and gruyere being exceptional choices.
- The potatoes should be seasoned with salt and pepper, sprinkling them between each layer.
- While the dish is baking, it’s important to cover it with foil. This step creates a steaming effect that helps cook the potatoes faster.
Preparing Scalloped Potatoes in Advance
To ensure efficient cooking on the day of serving, it has been proven through our tests that partially baking these items in advance yields excellent results. This preparation method allows for faster cooking when needed.
- The dish should be placed in the oven, covered, and baked for a span of 50 to 60 minutes.
- Once you have removed the dish from the oven, it is important to let it cool completely on the counter. Covering it will help retain the steam, which in turn aids in the finishing of the cooking process.
- The dish should be properly covered and placed in the refrigerator for storage.
- When it’s time to serve, take the dish out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes prior to baking. Let it bake uncovered for around 35 minutes or until it’s thoroughly heated.
Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 pounds white potatoes sliced about ⅛” thick
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- The oven should be preheated to a temperature of 350°F.
Sauce
- To prepare the sauce, gently melt the butter, onion, and garlic over medium-low heat. Allow the onion to soften, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Next, add the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- The heat should be reduced to a low setting. Next, combine the milk and broth together. Gradually add a small amount of the mixture while whisking, allowing it to thicken. As you continue, you’ll notice the mixture becoming quite thick. Keep adding small amounts of liquid while whisking until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Once all the liquid has been incorporated, heat it on medium while whisking continuously. Bring it to a boil and add salt and pepper. Allow it to boil for one minute.
Assembly
- A 9"x13" baking dish should be greased. On the bottom, place one-third of the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. Finally, pour one-third of the cream sauce over the top.
- The layers are to be repeated, concluding with the cream sauce. Proceed to cover the dish and bake it for approximately 45 minutes.
- The dish can be uncovered and baked for an additional 35-45 minutes until it turns a golden brown and the potatoes become tender. To achieve a golden top, you can broil it for 3-4 minutes.
- The dish should be allowed to rest for a duration of 15 minutes before it is served.