Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish, perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender layers of potatoes with a creamy sauce and cheese, creating a rich and satisfying side dish. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• Potatoes: 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
• Onion: 1 small white or yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• Garlic: 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Stock: 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk (or half and half)
• Seasonings:
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
• Cheese:
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Prepare the Sauce:

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and then the milk. Add salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of thyme.Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly but does not boil.

Layer the Potatoes:

Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, sauce, and cheese.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with remaining thyme and extra Parmesan cheese before serving warm.

Tips

For best results, grate your own cheese as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.Feel free to adjust seasonings or add ingredients like ham or bacon for extra flavor.

Do you have vegetarian and vegan versions of scalloped potatoes?

There are indeed vegetarian and vegan versions of scalloped potatoes that maintain the dish’s creamy and comforting qualities without using animal products.

1. Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes

For a vegetarian version, you can simply substitute the butter and milk in the traditional recipe with vegetarian-friendly options:

Butter: Use plant-based butter or margarine.

Milk: Replace regular milk with any plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure that it is unsweetened for the best flavor.

Cheese: You can use regular cheese or opt for vegetarian cheese that does not contain animal rennet.

2. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

To make a vegan version, follow these adjustments:

Ingredients

• Potatoes: 4 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, sliced thinly.
• Onion: 1 small onion, thinly sliced.
• Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Plant-Based Butter: 3 tablespoons (or olive oil).
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
• Vegetable Broth: 1 cup (instead of chicken stock).
• Plant-Based Milk: 2 cups (such as almond, soy, or oat milk).
• Nutritional Yeast: 1/2 cup for a cheesy flavor (optional).
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a pan, melt the plant-based butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Make the Sauce:

• • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and plant-based milk. Add nutritional yeast if using. Bring to a simmer until thickened slightly.

Layer Potatoes:

• • In the baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, pour half of the sauce over them, then repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

This vegan version offers a creamy texture and rich flavor without any animal products, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet.

What side dishes pair well with scalloped potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and lighter sides. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Meat Dishes

Fried Pork Chops: The crispy exterior and juicy interior of pork chops complement the creamy potatoes perfectly.

BBQ Ribs: The sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ ribs contrast nicely with the richness of scalloped potatoes.

Rosemary Chicken: This herb-infused chicken provides a light yet flavorful option that balances the heaviness of the potatoes.

Brown Sugar Ham Steaks: The sweet glaze on ham pairs wonderfully with the savory, cheesy potatoes.

Seared Salmon: The rich flavor of salmon works well with scalloped potatoes, making for a satisfying meal.

Vegetable Sides

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a crispy texture and slight bitterness that complements the creamy potatoes

Asparagus with Lemon Zest: The freshness of asparagus brightens up the dish, providing a nice contrast.

Sautéed Spinach: A simple green side that adds color and nutrition without overwhelming the palate.

Salads

• Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing balance to the richness of scalloped potatoes.
• Spinach and Strawberry Salad: This salad offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs well with the creamy texture of the potatoes.

These pairings not only enhance the meal but also create a well-rounded dining experience.

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time

Yes, you can prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time. Here are some methods to do so:

Assembling Ahead

Refrigerate Before Baking: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together without compromising texture.

Baking Ahead

Bake and Refrigerate: Another option is to fully bake the scalloped potatoes, let them cool completely, and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes.

Storage Tips

• Ensure that the dish is tightly covered when stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• It’s important to note that scalloped potatoes do not freeze well, so it’s best to keep them refrigerated if you’re preparing them in advance.

These methods allow you to enjoy this delicious dish with less stress on the day of serving.

Can you refrigerate assembled scalloped potatoes?

You can refrigerate assembled scalloped potatoes before baking for **1 to 2 days**. It’s recommended to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent the potatoes from turning gray and to keep them fresh.

If you plan to bake them later, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven to ensure even cooking.