Scalloped potatoes, oh my goodness! Imagine a dish where creamy layers of tender potatoes dance with rich cheese, creating a warm embrace for your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing everyone around as it bakes to golden perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, scalloped potatoes steal the spotlight and leave everyone begging for seconds.
As I reminisce about my childhood, I remember the excitement of gathering around the dinner table and eagerly waiting for that bubbling dish to emerge from the oven. It became a staple at every special occasion, filling our home with warmth and love. Now, let me tell you—nothing makes my heart sing quite like that first forkful of cheesy goodness!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Scalloped potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any home cook
- With their rich and savory flavor profile, they pair beautifully with almost any main dish
- Their creamy texture and visual appeal will impress your guests at any gathering
- Plus, they are versatile enough to adapt to your favorite ingredients and seasonings
I remember the time I brought scalloped potatoes to a potluck; the pan was empty before I could even grab a plate!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Russet Potatoes: These starchy beauties hold their shape well, providing the perfect base for creamy layers.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious texture, heavy cream adds richness that makes each bite an indulgence.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose high-quality cheddar for robust flavor; it melts beautifully, bringing everything together.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish; it’s like magic!
Butter: Use unsalted butter to grease your baking dish and add extra richness throughout the layers.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate flavors; adjust them according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Get Ready!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter; this will help prevent sticking.
Slice Those Potatoes!: Wash and peel your russet potatoes before slicing them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick works best. A mandoline slicer can save you time here.
Create Your Creamy Mixture!: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. This mixture will envelop those potatoes in creamy goodness.
Layer It Up!: Start layering sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Pour some of that lovely cream mixture over each layer before adding shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden!: Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Let It Rest!: Once out of the oven, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes. This allows everything to set beautifully before diving in!
And just like that—you’re now armed with the ultimate recipe for scalloped potatoes! Their creamy texture coupled with melty cheese is sure to win hearts at every gathering or cozy dinner night at home.
You Must Know
- Scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food
- This dish layers thinly sliced potatoes with rich sauce, making it a hit at any gathering
- The warm aromas wafting from the oven will have everyone waiting impatiently for their serving!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing your potatoes thinly for even cooking. Layer them in a greased baking dish, alternating with the cheese and sauce. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheeses or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. You can also mix in bacon bits for a smoky twist that elevates the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for creamy texture; avoid waxy ones that won’t hold shape well
- Always season each layer of potatoes to enhance flavor throughout the dish
- Let it rest after baking; this helps firm up the layers before serving
Cooking scalloped potatoes always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air as we devoured every buttery bite together.
FAQ
What type of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?
Using starchy potatoes like Russets yields a creamier texture that’s perfect for this dish.
Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
Ensure you slice the potatoes thinly and layer them properly with enough sauce to absorb moisture effectively.
Delicious Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy goodness of scalloped potatoes, a classic comfort food that combines tender layers of russet potatoes with rich cheddar cheese and a velvety cream sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Experience the nostalgia of warm aromas filling your kitchen as you serve up this delightful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cream mixture over the layered potatoes and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes until tender.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the dish (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
