There's nothing quite like a heaping scoop of cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes to take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. As a classic and indulgent side dish, it's perfect for those times when you want to impress your dinner guests or simply treat your family to something special.
So if you're on the hunt for a winning dish that's both elegant and comforting, look no further than this classic scalloped potatoes recipe. Your guests will be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.
Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
To make this mouth-watering dish, thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich and creamy sauce, then baked to golden perfection. With every bite, you will savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture and burst of savory flavor that this dish delivers. If you are looking to make a show-stopping scalloped potato dish, look no further than this recipe. To achieve the ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness, you will need a few key ingredients.
- First up are russet potatoes, which are the ideal variety for this dish. They are starchy enough to hold their shape and absorb all of the creamy goodness from the sauce.
- Next, you will need butter, which adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. A few dollops of butter in between the potato layers will take the creaminess to the next level.
- For the ultimate cheesy flavor, I recommend using a four-cheese blend that includes mozzarella, asiago, gruyere, and parmesan cheese. But if you don't have these cheeses on hand, feel free to substitute with your favorites.
- To add some depth to the flavor profile, you will need shallots, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds a fresh and earthy dimension to the dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
- The creamy sauce that ties everything together is made with heavy cream, the key ingredient that makes this dish so indulgent. A touch of nutmeg is the final ingredient that brings all the flavors together and gives the dish a warm and comforting taste.
- With these ingredients, you will be able to create a scalloped potato dish that's sure to impress.
How To Make Scalloped Potatoes
As the aroma of the cheesy and creamy scalloped potatoes fills your kitchen, you know that the wait is worth it. So, let's dive into the recipe and create this indulgent side dish that will wow your guests! I will tell you how I make it.
- First things first, I need to preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Next, I take a small bowl and combine the diced shallot, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to make the shallot seasoning. I give it a good stir and set it aside.
- In another bowl, I mix together shredded mozzarella, asiago, and gruyere cheese to make the cheese blend. It's important to get the cheese just right for that perfect layered flavor.
- Now, I add half of the butter to a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat. This helps to create a nice, buttery base for the potatoes.
- Then, I start layering the potatoes. I spread half of the potato slices onto the skillet and sprinkle half of the shallot mixture over the potatoes, then half of the three cheese blend.
- I arrange the remaining potato slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining shallot mixture.
- Next, I pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the nutmeg. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes on the stove until it's nice and bubbly.
- Before baking, I top the potatoes with the remaining butter pieces, sprinkle the remaining three cheese blends, and top it off with the parmesan cheese.
- Finally, I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until golden, which takes about 25-30 minutes. I let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig.
- Trust me, it's worth the wait!
A Few Extra Tips
When making scalloped potatoes, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Here are some tips to follow:
- Make sure to use an oven-safe sauté pan for a faster cook time.
- For even slices, use a mandolin to slice your potatoes to a thickness of ⅛ inch.
- Stick to heavy cream instead of half and half or milk to avoid a separated, watery texture. Since there’s no flour or roux in this recipe, it's crucial to use heavy cream for the perfect consistency.
- Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for about 5 minutes after taking the skillet out of the oven to achieve a creamy and silky texture. This will also prevent the dish from being too watery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are the best option for this recipe, you can use other types of potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may not hold their shape as well or absorb the cream as evenly.
How long will leftover scalloped potatoes last in the refrigerator?
Leftover scalloped potatoes will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes are a delicious and indulgent side dish that's perfect for any occasion. While it does require some time and effort, the end result is well worth it. Just be sure to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly, use an oven-safe pan, and don't substitute heavy cream for half and half or milk.
Leave a Reply