Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a comforting and creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a standalone dish. This recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich and creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Here’s how to make delicious scalloped potatoes at home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (about 4-5 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix), divided
• Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

2. Make the Cream Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux (a thick paste).
• Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
• Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Layer the Potatoes:

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
• Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sauce.

4. Repeat the Layers:

• Layer the remaining potatoes on top of the cheese.
• Pour the remaining cream sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce.

5. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes:

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

6. Serve:

• Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
• Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

1. Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure the potatoes are sliced uniformly. This ensures even cooking.
2. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well for scalloped potatoes due to their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce.
3. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan for varied flavors.
4. Additions: Enhance the dish with additions like caramelized onions, bacon, or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
5. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With creamy layers of potatoes and cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of homemade scalloped potatoes!