As a passionate home cook, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me whenever I prepare scalloped potatoes. This creamy, cheesy side dish has a way of bringing families together, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that dances through the air. I remember my grandmother making her version, layering thinly sliced potatoes with rich cream and cheese, creating a comforting dish that felt like a warm hug. Scalloped potatoes are not just a recipe; they are a celebration of togetherness, perfect for any occasion. With each bite, you experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this dish a timeless favorite.
What is Scalloped Potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are a classic American dish that features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy sauce, often enriched with cheese. This comforting side dish has roots in European cuisine, particularly French and British, where similar recipes have been enjoyed for centuries. The term “scalloped” refers to the method of cooking, where the potatoes are baked in a creamy mixture until tender and golden. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, scalloped potatoes have become a beloved staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes
- Convenient: Easy to prepare ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor.
- Nutritious: Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a hearty option.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting side dish, perfect for any meal.
Who It’s For
This dish is ideal for busy families looking for a satisfying side that pleases everyone at the table. It’s also perfect for health-conscious cooks who want to incorporate wholesome ingredients into their meals. Food lovers who appreciate rich, creamy flavors will find scalloped potatoes to be a delightful addition to their culinary repertoire.
When to Cook It
Scalloped potatoes are perfect for a variety of occasions. They shine at weeknight dinners, providing a comforting side to accompany roasted meats or grilled vegetables. This dish is also a favorite for celebrations, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where it can be served alongside turkey or ham. Whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive gathering, scalloped potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy.
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best for creaminess)
- 2 cups heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use a sharp or mild variety)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty flavor; can swap with Gruyère for a gourmet touch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aroma)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste; kosher salt is a great choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme for convenience)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Layer the potatoes: In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly.
- Mix the cream: In a bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme until well blended.
- Pour the cream: Drizzle half of the cream mixture over the first layer of potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the cream layer.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining potatoes, pour the rest of the cream mixture, and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for adding sweetness without sugar.
- Monk fruit: Another natural option that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
- Note: Avoid using honey or maple syrup, as they can spike blood sugar levels significantly.
- Sharp knife for slicing potatoes
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Greased baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
- Serving spoon
- Use a Mandoline: Chef Thomas Keller recommends using a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Infuse the Cream: Chef Ina Garten suggests warming the heavy cream with garlic and thyme before mixing, enhancing the flavors.
- Cheese Variations: Chef Gordon Ramsay loves to mix different cheeses like Gruyère and Fontina for a more complex flavor profile.
- Rest Before Serving: Chef Julia Child always emphasized letting the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking, allowing the layers to set beautifully.
- Experiment with Herbs: Chef Jamie Oliver encourages adding fresh herbs like rosemary or chives for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze scalloped potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave Option: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.
- Texture Tip: If the potatoes seem dry after reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Not Slicing Potatoes Evenly: Uneven slices can lead to inconsistent cooking, with some potatoes being undercooked while others are mushy. Use a mandoline for uniform thickness.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into scalloped potatoes immediately after baking can cause them to fall apart. Allowing them to rest for 10 minutes helps the layers set.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can result in a greasy texture and lack of flavor. Opt for good-quality cheese for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Overbaking: Leaving the dish in the oven too long can dry out the potatoes. Keep an eye on the baking time to achieve that perfect golden top.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned scalloped potatoes can taste bland. Don’t forget to season the cream mixture well for maximum flavor.
- Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare scalloped potatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
- Are scalloped potatoes healthy? It depends on your dietary preferences; while they are rich in flavor, they are also high in calories and fat due to the cream and cheese.
- Can I use different types of cheese in scalloped potatoes? Yes, feel free to experiment with various cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or even mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Do scalloped potatoes freeze well? Yes, scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is there a gluten-free version of scalloped potatoes? Yes, scalloped potatoes are naturally gluten-free, as they do not contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients.
Scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a comforting embrace on a plate, perfect for any gathering or family meal. I hope you enjoy making this creamy, cheesy delight as much as I do. If you have any tips, variations, or stories about your own scalloped potatoes, I’d love to hear them! Please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
Print
Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy side dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the cream.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Discover my favorite kitchen tools I always use.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add cooked bacon bits between the layers.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Creamy Potatoes, Side Dish