Best Scalloped Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these creamy, cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, velvety sauce, topped with gooey cheese for a delightful finish. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly comforting, this recipe will become a staple on your holiday table.
Best Scalloped Potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast, rich and satisfying with each layer of flavor.
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to achieving the best scalloped potatoes lies in the choice of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked. Their naturally buttery flavor enhances the overall taste, making every bite delightful. When sliced thinly, they layer perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with the creamy sauce.
Combining different types of cheese adds depth to the flavor profile. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy note, while mozzarella enhances the creaminess and gooey texture. The grated Parmesan cheese gives a savory finish that elevates the dish, making it a perfect accompaniment to your holiday spread. Each variety contributes to a cheesy experience that’s simply irresistible.
Tips for Perfecting Your Scalloped Potatoes
For perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes, ensure that your potato slices are uniform in thickness, ideally around 1/8 inch. This allows for even cooking and layering within the dish. Using a mandoline can help achieve consistent slices, making the preparation process more straightforward. This attention to detail will result in an aesthetically appealing and delicious outcome.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices to customize your sauce. Adding fresh thyme or rosemary can uplift the flavor profile and lend a fragrant aroma to the dish. Additionally, a splash of white wine in the cream mixture can deepen the taste, providing a gourmet twist that guests will enjoy.
Storing and Reheating Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Make the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg over medium heat. Heat until it’s warm but not boiling, then remove from heat.
Layer the Ingredients
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then pour half of the cream mixture over the top. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cream and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Potatoes
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting side dish at your holiday table!
Make sure to let the dish cool slightly before serving for enhanced flavor and texture.
Pairing Suggestions
Best scalloped potatoes are a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. They complement the savory flavors of roasted turkey, ham, or even a juicy prime rib. The creamy texture of the potatoes balances well with the richness of meat, making them a staple on any festive table.
To enhance your holiday feast, consider serving scalloped potatoes alongside seasonal vegetables such as roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots. These colorful additions not only brighten up your plate but also offer a nice contrast to the richness of the potatoes, creating a well-rounded meal.
Making It Your Own
This recipe for scalloped potatoes is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the cream mixture. If you’re a fan of garlic, increasing the quantity will give your scalloped potatoes an extra flavor boost that garlic lovers will appreciate.
For a healthier twist, you can experiment with adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even layers of cooked broccoli. Not only do these options up the nutritional value, but they also introduce delightful textures and flavors that could make your dish even more appealing and satisfying.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.
→ What type of cheese works best?
The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives a great flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment!
Best Scalloped Potatoes
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these creamy, cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, velvety sauce, topped with gooey cheese for a delightful finish. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly comforting, this recipe will become a staple on your holiday table.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg over medium heat. Heat until it’s warm but not boiling, then remove from heat.
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then pour half of the cream mixture over the top. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cream and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting side dish at your holiday table!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g