Scalloped potatoes are a deliciously creamy and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. Here’s a classic recipe for you!
Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or a mix of cream and milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy variation)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a bit of color and flavor)
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick). A mandoline slicer works well for even slices, but you can use a sharp knife if you prefer.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (a thick paste). Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika. If you’re using cheese, add it to the sauce now, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the dish: Layer the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each layer. Pour about 1/3 of the creamy sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the potatoes and sauce. Make sure the final layer is covered with sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
These scalloped potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and great as a side dish with just about anything! Want to make them even heartier? You could add some cooked ham or bacon in between the layers for extra flavor. How do you usually like your scalloped potatoes?