Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Creamy scalloped potatoes are a comforting classic, perfect as a side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in rich cream and melted cheese create a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly.
- Step 2: Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 4: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Adding minced garlic or onions between layers can enhance the taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with milk.
Storage
Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions carefully to avoid drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
While fresh potatoes are best for this dish, you can use thawed frozen potatoes, but they may release extra moisture, making the dish a bit watery. Pat them dry before layering.
Do scalloped potatoes need to be boiled before baking?
No, thinly slicing the potatoes allows them to cook fully in the cream and cheese mixture during baking without pre-cooking.
PrintCreamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, this recipe yields tender, flavorful layers of potatoes with a luscious cheese crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for greasing)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick to allow for even cooking and layering.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange a single layer of potato slices at the bottom of the baking dish. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs if using. Sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese over the potatoes, then pour a small amount of heavy cream to moisten.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering potatoes, seasoning, cheese, and cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken up and make slicing easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or cooked bacon between layers.
- If cream is unavailable, you can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream, though results may be less rich.
- Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices of potatoes.
- Scalloped potatoes are best served fresh but can be reheated covered in the oven without drying out.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, holiday side dish
