Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

These Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are a delightful side dish that complements any meal. With their rich, cheesy sauce and crispy edges, they are ideal for holidays or family gatherings. The creamy texture and aromatic flavors make them a standout choice for your dinner table, leaving everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, cream, and cheese creates a comforting and savory experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for holiday dinners, barbecues, or casual weeknight meals.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Crispy Edges: The baking technique ensures deliciously crispy edges while keeping the inside creamy.
• Feed a Crowd: This recipe serves eight, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mandolin or sharp knife
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A ceramic baking dish retains heat evenly, ensuring your scalloped potatoes cook perfectly.
• Mandolin or Sharp Knife: Slicing the potatoes thinly allows for even cooking and a tender texture in every bite.
• Large Pot: Ideal for making the creamy sauce without spills or messes during preparation.

Ingredients

For these creamy scalloped potatoes, you will need:

Potatoes

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute whole milk or half and half)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a medium-sized ceramic baking dish.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandolin or sharp knife:
1. Slice the potatoes as thinly as possible (about 1/16th of an inch).

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter with the garlic until aromatic.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux; let cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and continue stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Mix in the parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Sauce

Remove from heat:
1. Add sliced potatoes to a large bowl.
2. Pour the sauce over top and gently toss to coat.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Stack potato slices upright in the greased baking dish:
1. Pour any leftover sauce over the potatoes.
2. Sprinkle with extra parmesan if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Tent with aluminum foil:
1. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven:
1. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy scalloped potatoes as an irresistible side!

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this rich dish even more.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair creamy scalloped potatoes with grilled chicken for a delightful contrast of flavors. The juicy chicken balances the richness of the potatoes.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• Serve with a medley of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate. The textures and flavors will enhance your dining experience.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

• Include creamy scalloped potatoes in your holiday spread. They make an excellent addition to any festive meal, adding comfort and warmth to the table.

With Beef or Lamb Dishes

• Complement beef or lamb with these cheesy potatoes. The hearty flavors create a satisfying combination that will please everyone.

On a Cozy Night In

• Enjoy creamy scalloped potatoes as part of a cozy night in. They pair perfectly with a simple green salad for a comforting dinner at home.

How to Perfect Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Perfecting creamy scalloped potatoes involves paying attention to details that elevate the dish. Here are some tips to ensure your potatoes turn out beautifully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh Yukon gold potatoes and high-quality cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Slice uniformly: Cutting the potatoes into even slices ensures they cook evenly, resulting in perfectly tender bites.
• Layer carefully: Layer the potato slices and sauce thoughtfully in the baking dish to avoid clumping and ensure each bite is creamy.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before pouring it over the potatoes, adjusting salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Let cool before serving: Allowing the dish to cool slightly helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy scalloped potatoes can shine alongside various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their rich flavor.

1. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic offer a fresh crunch that pairs well with creamy potatoes.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and tangy dressing that balances out the richness of scalloped potatoes.
3. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out earthy flavors while adding vibrant color to your plate.
4. Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These sprouts provide a delightful sweetness and slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with creamy sides.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is an excellent summer side that adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with cheesy dishes.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa or rice for a hearty, nutritious option alongside creamy scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing creamy scalloped potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s overall quality. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the slicing technique: Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough can lead to uneven cooking. Use a mandolin or sharp knife for uniform slices about 1/16th of an inch thick.

• Neglecting the sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the potatoes well. Make sure to stir until the mixture thickens before combining with the potatoes.

• Overcrowding the baking dish: Packing too many potato slices into the dish may cause uneven cooking. Arrange them upright and allow space for even heat circulation.

• Ignoring cooling time: Serving immediately after baking can result in a messy presentation. Letting them cool for about 10 minutes helps set the layers and improve texture.

• Forgetting to tent with foil: Not covering the dish initially can result in burnt edges while leaving the inside undercooked. Tent with foil for part of the baking time to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep leftovers for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Allow to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?

Creamy scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, cheesy sauce, baked until golden and tender. They’re perfect as a side dish for any meal.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds depth, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for varied flavors and textures in your creamy scalloped potatoes.

How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make vegan creamy scalloped potatoes, substitute dairy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble creamy scalloped potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add some extra baking time if baking from cold.

Final Thoughts

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a rich taste that pairs well with various main dishes. They are customizable; feel free to add vegetables or different herbs for a personal touch. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Creamy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, boasting layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The crispy edges provide an irresistible contrast to the creamy interior, making every bite a delight. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create this indulgent side dish that compliments any main course beautifully.

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Ingredients

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• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute whole milk)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh thyme
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a medium-sized ceramic baking dish.
2. Slice the Yukon gold potatoes thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until thickened (about 5 minutes). Mix in Parmesan cheese if using, along with thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine sliced potatoes with the sauce in a large bowl to coat evenly.
6. Layer potato slices upright in the prepared baking dish and pour remaining sauce over them.
7. Tent with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 50mg