Today I want to share with you the recipe for the best ever scalloped potatoes! As a married woman with two children, I know the importance of finding delicious and easy recipes that the whole family can enjoy. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and I’m excited to share it with you today.
First, gather your ingredients: thinly sliced potatoes, butter, flour, milk, salt, cayenne pepper, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and some extra cheese to sprinkle on top.
To start, melt the butter in a small saucepan and blend in the flour. Let the mixture sit for a minute, and then add in the cold milk, stirring with a whisk. Season with salt and cayenne pepper, and cook the sauce on low until it’s smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and stir in the grated cheese until it’s melted and well combined.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a one-quart casserole dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, and then pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. For some extra color and flavor, add a dash of paprika on top.
Bake the dish uncovered for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of cheesy potatoes, and your family will be eagerly awaiting dinner.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and comforting dish. I hope you enjoy making these scalloped potatoes as much as I do, and that they become a favorite in your household too!
Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Scalloped Potatoes?
Creating Scalloped Potatoes might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. Allow me to simplify the process by breaking it down into manageable steps:
Ingredients you need for Scalloped Potatoes
To make the best-ever scalloped potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheese to sprinkle on top
Instruction do make Scalloped Potatoes
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, blend in the flour and let it sit for a minute. This step helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
Adding the Milk and Seasonings
Add all of the cold milk to the saucepan, stirring continuously with a whisk. Season the sauce with salt and a dash of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle kick. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and reaches a gentle boil.
Incorporating the Cheese
Reduce the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and create a rich and creamy sauce. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is well combined.
Layering the Potatoes
Take a lightly greased one-quart casserole dish and place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are fully coated. This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with delicious cheese and potatoes.
Repeat the Layering
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. This will create a beautiful and hearty casserole.
Sprinkle the Cheese Topping
To add an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a golden and gooey topping that will make your mouth water.
Adding Color and Flavor
For a touch of color, sprinkle some paprika on top. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. The scalloped potatoes should be golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges when done.
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for scalloped potatoes, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Gruyère, Swiss, or even a combination of different cheeses can add unique flavors to your dish.
Can I prepare scalloped potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare scalloped potatoes in advance. After layering the potatoes and cheese sauce, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
What is the difference between scalloped and gratin potatoes?
When it comes to potatoes, there are a multitude of ways to prepare them. Two popular dishes that often get confused are scalloped and gratin potatoes. While they may look similar, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that are simple yet delicious. The dish is made by thinly slicing potatoes and layering them in a baking dish. A basic cream sauce made with a mix of milk and heavy cream is then poured over the potatoes before baking. The result is a creamy and tender potato dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Potatoes au gratin are a bit more indulgent. Like scalloped potatoes, thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a baking dish, but here’s where the similarities end. Lots of cheese is sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
So, what’s the difference between the two? The answer lies in the cheese. While scalloped potatoes rely solely on the cream sauce for flavor, gratin potatoes use cheese to add an extra layer of richness and decadence.
Why is it called scalloped potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. But have you ever wondered why they’re called “scalloped” potatoes? It turns out that the name is derived from the way the potatoes are sliced and arranged in the baking dish.
The term “scalloped” actually refers to the shape of the edge of a shell, which is characterized by a series of semicircular curves. The way that the potatoes are arranged in the dish creates a similar shape, hence the name “scalloped” potatoes.
While the name may seem arbitrary, it’s actually a fitting description of the dish. Scalloped potatoes are tender and creamy, with a slightly curved shape that resembles the edge of a scallop shell. And just like scallops themselves, scalloped potatoes are a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
So the next time you enjoy a warm and comforting dish of scalloped potatoes, you can appreciate the clever and descriptive name that has been given to this beloved classic.
Why do scalloped potatoes get watery?
Scalloped potatoes are a beloved classic dish that can be the perfect addition to any meal. However, one common issue that many home cooks experience is watery scalloped potatoes. This can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few reasons why it may be happening.
One possible reason for watery scalloped potatoes is the use of pre-prepped potatoes from the refrigerator section. These pre-sliced potatoes can contain preservatives that make them retain more water, which can lead to a watery dish. To avoid this, it’s best to use freshly sliced potatoes when making scalloped potatoes.
Another reason for watery scalloped potatoes is the storage of the potatoes. If you store your potatoes in water to prevent discoloration, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to your casserole. The excess moisture from the water can make the potatoes release more water during cooking, which can result in a watery dish.
To avoid watery scalloped potatoes, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, use freshly sliced potatoes instead of pre-prepped ones. Second, make sure to drain and pat dry any potatoes that have been stored in water. Lastly, be sure not to overfill your casserole dish, as this can cause the sauce to overflow and make the dish watery.
Best 'Ever' Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1 ⁄2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ⁄2 cup grated cheese to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour.
- Let sit for a minute.
- Add all of cold milk, stirring with a whisk.
- Season with salt and cayenne.
- Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
- Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish.
- Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.
- Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Top with some paprika for color.
- Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.
