Easy, Creamy Joy Of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes represent the ultimate comfort food that transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, indulgent masterpiece.

Crisp edges and silky layers beckon hungry diners with their irresistible allure.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic recipe promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Rich dairy and tender potato slices meld together in a harmonious symphony of flavor.

Subtle seasonings elevate the dish from simple to spectacular, creating a memorable dining experience.

Home cooks adore the straightforward technique that yields impressive results with minimal effort.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that make people smile.

Prepare to delight your dinner companions with this timeless culinary treasure: get ready to savor pure deliciousness.

Different Takes on Scalloped Potatoes

• Cheesy Herb Scalloped Potatoes: Add grated cheddar or gruyère cheese between layers and sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley for an aromatic herb infusion.
• Bacon and Green Onion Fusion: Crisp chopped bacon and sprinkle green onions between potato layers for a savory, smoky enhancement that brings extra depth to the classic recipe.
• Vegetable Loaded Potato Casserole: Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini between potato layers to create a more nutritious and colorful version with added vegetable goodness.
• Spicy Southwestern Potato Bake: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to transform the traditional recipe into a zesty, southwestern-inspired side dish with a kick of heat.

Wrapping Up Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes emerge as culinary poetry, blending rich cream sauce with tender potato layers that whisper comfort.

Family tables welcome this classic dish with open arms, promising warmth and satisfaction in each delectable bite.

Rich, creamy textures meld perfectly with subtle onion and garlic notes, creating memorable meal moments.

Potato enthusiasts will discover pure magic within this straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary cuisine.

Home chefs can confidently master this timeless side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to spectacular.

Passion meets tradition – share this scrumptious recipe with friends, comment below with your mouthwatering results, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Reasons to Love Scalloped Potatoes

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This scalloped potatoes recipe delivers ultimate creamy goodness with a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each potato slice perfectly.
• Master Easy Layering Technique: The simple step-by-step layering method makes this dish foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels, creating a stunning presentation without complicated skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events, these scalloped potatoes work as a delightful side dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Maximize Flavor with Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples like butter, flour, broth, and milk, you can transform humble potatoes into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy side dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Key Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes

• Butter: Rich, flavorful base for sauce that adds smooth, silky texture.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a light, savory sauce.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich sauce.

• Potatoes: Starchy, hearty base of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic flavor to the sauce and provides depth.
• Garlic: Introduces a subtle, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of the entire dish.
• Pepper: Adds a mild, warm spiciness to complement the creamy potatoes.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook for 3 minutes until onions become translucent. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk

Whisk continuously, adding liquid gradually to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Potato Foundation

Spread 3/4 of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/3 of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes.

Step 5: Complete the Layering

Add the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the cream sauce. Ensure even coverage for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 35-45 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top turns golden brown.

Step 7: Create a Crispy Top

For an extra crispy surface, broil for 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.

Expert Advice on Scalloped Potatoes

• Master Your Mandoline: Slice potatoes with a sharp mandoline for consistent, paper-thin cuts that cook evenly and look professional.
• Temper the Cream: Warm milk and cream gently before mixing to prevent curdling and create a silky, luxurious sauce base.
• Season Between Layers: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs on each potato layer for deep, balanced flavor throughout the dish.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a good melting cheese like gruyère or sharp cheddar to add richness and complex taste.
• Rest and Settle: Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes after baking, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.

Scalloped PotatoesStorage Tricks You Should Know

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your scalloped potatoes from freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. Remove excess air completely, preventing moisture loss and maintaining the creamy texture for up to 4 months. Wrap individual portions for easy reheating and minimal waste.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer cooled potatoes to thick-walled glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Layer portions between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for maximum 4 days, ensuring flavors stay fresh and consistent. Glass containers prevent odor absorption and maintain potato quality better than plastic.
• Portioning Technique: Divide scalloped potatoes into single-serving sizes before storing. Use small freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Press out air, seal carefully, and label with date.

Joy Of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic scalloped potatoes deliver creamy, cheesy comfort from traditional American kitchens. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and rich cream promise a delightful side dish you cannot resist savoring with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Seasoning:

• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. In a medium-low saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until onions become translucent, approximately three minutes. Sprinkle flour into the mixture and cook for an additional one to two minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low. Gradually incorporate broth and milk into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, thickened consistency.
4. Prepare a 9-inch by 13-inch (23-centimeter by 33-centimeter) baking dish with a light grease coating. Arrange three-quarters of the potatoes across the bottom of the dish, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle one-third of the cream sauce evenly over the potato layer.
5. Create additional layers, ensuring the final layer is topped with the remaining cream sauce.
6. Cover the baking dish and bake for forty-five minutes. Remove the cover and continue baking until potatoes become tender and develop a golden-brown surface. For extra crispiness, broil for three to four minutes.
7. Allow the dish to rest for fifteen minutes before serving, which helps the sauce settle and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Cut potatoes with a mandoline or sharp knife for precise, consistent slices that cook evenly.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or fontina to add depth and richness to the classic recipe.
• Pat potato slices dry before layering to prevent excess moisture and achieve a crispy, golden top.
• Room temperature ingredients help the cream sauce blend seamlessly and prevent unexpected curdling.
• Rinse starch off potato slices under cold water to keep layers from sticking together during cooking.
• Let the gratin rest for 10-15 minutes after baking, allowing the sauce to set and making serving easier.
• Ceramic or cast-iron baking dishes distribute heat more uniformly than metal pans, creating a perfectly cooked dish.
• Season each potato layer generously with salt and pepper to build complex flavor throughout the gratin.
• Use full-fat dairy for the most luxurious and creamy sauce that won’t separate during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg