Are you in search of a comforting and satisfying side dish that will leave everyone at the dinner table wanting more? Look no further than this Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
With layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy sauce and baked to perfection, this dish is a classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, these scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish, provide some handy tips and variations, and share a few ideas for food and drink pairings. Let’s get started!
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese lovers: If you’re a fan of cheesy scalloped potatoes, feel free to sprinkle some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese between the layers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Adding herbs: To enhance the taste of the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cream sauce. These herbs will infuse the potatoes with a delightful aroma.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly without compromising on taste.
- Crispy topping: For a crispy and crunchy topping, mix together some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the assembled dish before baking.
- Food processor shortcut: Using a food processor with a slicing attachment can save you time when slicing the potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the thickness setting to achieve the desired thickness of ⅛”.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- 9″x13″ Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife for slicing potatoes
- Cutting board
- Foil
Storing Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Food and Drink Pairings:
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Here are a few suggestions to complement your meal:
- Roast Chicken: Serve the scalloped potatoes alongside a succulent roasted chicken for a classic and comforting combination.
- Grilled Steak: The creamy texture of the potatoes contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of a perfectly grilled steak.
- Baked Salmon: Add a touch of elegance to your dinner by pairing the scalloped potatoes with a tender and flaky baked salmon fillet.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
Prepare the sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Thicken the sauce:
Reduce the heat to low. Combine the milk and chicken broth, and gradually add a small amount at a time to the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will thicken gradually as you add the liquid. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.
Season the sauce:
Once all the liquid has been added, increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a boil while stirring constantly. Stir in the salt and pepper, and let the sauce boil for 1 minute to ensure it’s well seasoned.
Assemble the dish:
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish and season with salt and pepper. Pour one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with the cream sauce.
Bake to perfection:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. For a beautiful golden top, broil the dish for 3-4 minutes after baking.
Rest and serve:
Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time will help the dish set and make it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve the scalloped potatoes as a delightful side dish to complement your main course.
