Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Look no further than the Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, this classic dish is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions to suit your dietary preferences. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Introduction:
Scalloped potatoes are a timeless comfort food that never fails to delight. Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cream, and gooey cheese, this dish is a staple at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, scalloped potatoes are sure to steal the show with their creamy texture and savory flavor. In this guide, we’ll share our favorite recipe for making the Best Scalloped Potatoes, along with helpful tips, variations, and keto-friendly options.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them into rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, then whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Layers: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each other. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the potatoes and sauce are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Thinly Sliced Potatoes: To ensure even cooking, it’s important to thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, or simply slice them by hand with a sharp knife.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan are classic choices for scalloped potatoes, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties such as Swiss, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Infusions: Enhance the flavor of your scalloped potatoes by infusing the cream sauce with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Simply add the herbs to the saucepan along with the garlic and let them simmer for a few minutes before assembling the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze scalloped potatoes? A: While scalloped potatoes can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the scalloped potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: How can I make keto-friendly scalloped potatoes? A: To make a keto-friendly version of scalloped potatoes, substitute the russet potatoes with cauliflower florets. Prepare the cream sauce as directed, using heavy cream and cheese, but omit the flour. Layer the cauliflower florets in the baking dish, pour the cream sauce over them, and bake as directed until tender and golden.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute the russet potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content. Use full-fat cheese and heavy cream in the cream sauce, and omit the flour to keep it keto-friendly.
- Low-Carb Variation: For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of potatoes and increase the proportion of cheese and cream sauce. You can also add extra vegetables such as spinach, kale, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value.
Scalloped potatoes are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. With their creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and irresistible flavor, they’re the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday roast, at a backyard barbecue, or as a weeknight dinner side dish, these Best Scalloped Potatoes are sure to be a hit. With our foolproof recipe, helpful tips, and variations, you’ll be able to create perfect scalloped potatoes every time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
