Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic
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These Scalloped Potatoes Use A Simple Trick To Achieve Maximum Dreamy Creaminess
When it comes to crowd-pleasing holiday comfort foods, you can’t beat scalloped potatoes. Rich, creamy, and refreshingly unfussy, this versatile side dish is great for everything from Christmas dinners to school potlucks. Read on for my top tips to guarantee yours are the best they can be, every time you make them.
What People Are Saying:
“These are the perfect alternative to mashed potatoes! The texture is perfect and the creaminess is the best part.” – Pcrams18
“I never thought anyone could come close to my mum’s scalloped potatoes. I may have been wrong. These are amazing.” – trinidemboy868
How To Make Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- Shallot: Adds allium depth without drawing undue attention.
- Garlic: Infuses the cream and milk with flavor; it gets strained out after infusing.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a thick, creamy sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully.
- Whole Milk: Thins the cream to achieve the perfect saucy consistency.
- Black Peppercorns: Infuses the cream with sharpness to cut through the richness.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: High-starch and buttery, perfect for scalloped potatoes.
- Parmesan: Adds a savory umami flavor that enhances the dish.
- Chives: Finely chopped for a fresh note in the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Infuse the Cream: Combine the shallot, garlic, cream, milk, and peppercorns in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
Photo: Charlie Gillette
- Prepare the Oven and Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large (13″ x 9″) baking dish with butter and slice the potatoes into even 1/8″-thick slices.
Photo: Charlie Gillette
- Strain and Cook the Potatoes: Strain the cream mixture into a large bowl, then return it to the saucepan. Stir in salt and add the sliced potatoes. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until barely tender.
Photo: Charlie Gillette
- Layer the Potatoes: In the greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes and cream, sprinkle half of the cheese, then add the remaining potatoes and cream, topping with the rest of the cheese.
Photo: Charlie Gillette
- Bake: Bake until golden brown on top, about 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool slightly before topping with chives and serving.
Photo: Charlie Gillette
Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.
Scalloped Potato Variations
- Potatoes Au Gratin: A cheesier take on scalloped potatoes, baked in a creamy garlic sauce.
- Dauphinoise Potatoes: A classic French potato casserole featuring Gruyère cheese.
- Mashed Potato Casserole: A quick alternative with a crispy panko-Parmesan topping.
Recipe Tips
- Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes Au Gratin: Traditional scalloped potatoes are made with just thinly sliced potatoes in a milk and cream mixture, while potatoes au gratin typically include cheese.
Storage
If you want to make these scalloped potatoes in advance, cook them fully, let them cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Photo: Rocky Luten; Food Styling: Brooke Caison
Enjoy your creamy, dreamy scalloped potatoes, perfect for any occasion!
