potato recipes scalloped

Amanda Recipes January 31, 2025January 31, 2025

Potato Recipes Scalloped

If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner, scalloped potatoes are a great choice. This dish combines thinly sliced potatoes with creamy sauces and often cheese, creating a comforting side that pairs well with many meats. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs, too. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this dish both enjoyable and rewarding. Let’s explore its rich history and how to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this scalloped potato recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for so many. Its versatility shines as a side dish for meats like pork chops or roast chicken, making it perfect for any meal. You can easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs, using almond milk for lactose intolerance or vegetable broth for a vegan option. Pair it with roasted vegetables for a festive touch. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary brings in unique flavors. Health-wise, using bone broth adds nutrients, while almond milk lowers saturated fat. With only 196 calories per serving, you’ll enjoy a tasty dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance. Additionally, this recipe is a healthier version compared to traditional scalloped potatoes.

History

Scalloped potatoes have a fascinating history that stretches back to England and beyond. While the exact origins are unclear, some believe they evolved from baked oysters topped with breadcrumbs, possibly influencing the name “scallop.”

This dish shares similarities with French au gratin potatoes, particularly from the Dauphiné region, where cooks baked potatoes in pottery dishes. Au gratin potatoes originated in France in 1788 and featured Gruyere cheese in their first recipe.

In the 20th century, scalloped potatoes became a beloved side dish in American homes, adapting to local tastes with creamy sauces made from milk and butter. Influential figures like Betty Crocker helped popularize this dish during family gatherings.

Over the years, scalloped potatoes have evolved, blending European traditions with American flavors, making them a cherished comfort food across cultures.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes
– 2 large onions
– 4 cloves garlic
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups milk or heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Grated cheese (your choice, such as cheddar or Gruyere)
– Fresh herbs (like thyme) for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a cast iron skillet to guarantee even cooking.

Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Soak the sliced potatoes in an ice water bath to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Peel and thinly slice the onions, and chop the garlic cloves. In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re translucent and fragrant. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk (or cream) and chicken (or vegetable) stock, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes, followed by half of the grated cheese. Add a layer of the sautéed onions and garlic.
Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly on a rack before serving. Garnish with additional herbs if desired, and serve warm. This dish is a reliable option for gatherings and special occasions.

For best results, consider using a combination of different cheeses for added flavor, and feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like paprika or nutmeg in the sauce.

Remember to let the dish cool slightly before cutting into it; this will help the layers hold together better. Enjoy this creamy potato bake as a comforting side or a delicious main dish!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your culinary adventure with scalloped potatoes, it’s essential to remember that this dish not only offers comfort but also flexibility in its preparation and presentation.

You can serve scalloped potatoes alongside turkey or roast chicken, or even as a main dish with leftover ham. Pair them with green beans or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors; adding herbs like thyme or cheese can elevate your dish. For best results, slice the potatoes thinly and create layers for creaminess and crunch. Additionally, consider that the recipe can be made a day in advance, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.

Keep in mind the nutritional benefits, as scalloped potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and calcium.

Enjoy the endless possibilities this classic dish brings to your table!

FAQ

Have you ever found yourself with questions about making scalloped potatoes? You might wonder about the ideal potato thickness; it’s best to slice them to 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Additionally, using Yukon Gold potatoes is recommended for a creamy texture and buttery flavor.

When baking, cover the dish for 30 minutes, then uncover it for 35-40 minutes at 400°F. Feel free to mix up potato types like Yukon Gold or russet.

Common seasonings include garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. If your potatoes aren’t tender, give them a few extra minutes in the oven.

For a crispy top, uncover them during the last baking phase. Remember, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

You can also customize it with veggies or herbs!