Delicious family meals are often enjoyed during the important holiday of Easter, and Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are often one of the highlights of such a hearty meal. Creamy Scalloped Potatoes is also one of the classics on the Easter table, known for its rich, creamy flavor and dense texture. The dish usually consists of thinly sliced potatoes alternately layered with a creamy sauce and baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. To make this dish, you use a slicing knife to cut the potatoes, a baking sheet to layer the potatoes with the creamy sauce, and an oven to finish off the cooking process. Often served as a hearty main course or side dish at a holiday feast, this dish is a delicious and heartwarming addition to a family dinner or a formal dinner party.
What are the Benefits of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?
Potatoes are a nutritious ingredient rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium and fiber, which help maintain good health and promote proper functioning of the digestive system. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, vitamin B6 is also important for the nervous system and metabolism, while potassium helps maintain normal heart function and blood pressure levels. In addition, the fiber in potatoes helps promote digestion and maintain intestinal health. During cooking, choosing to use a skillet or oven for creamy bacon baked potatoes as opposed to deep-frying or pan-frying reduces the intake of cooking oil. This practice helps control calorie intake and reduces the intake of unhealthy fats, thus making this delicious dish healthier and more nutritious.
Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes!
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick cooking spray. After peeling the potatoes, carefully slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick. To prevent discoloration while you focus on making the sauce, soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water. This simple step ensures the potatoes maintain their pristine appearance until ready for assembly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, begin by melting the butter over medium heat until it becomes fragrant. Introduce the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence. Following this, evenly sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, ensuring continuous whisking to create a smooth paste known as a roux. Continue cooking the roux for a duration of 2 to 3 minutes, diligently stirring to prevent any clumps from forming. Gradually incorporate the milk into the mixture while maintaining a constant whisking motion, ensuring a lump-free consistency. Proceed to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and effectively coats the back of a spoon, typically requiring 5 to 7 minutes. To finalize the sauce, season it with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to your desired taste preferences, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
After draining the sliced potatoes, gently pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Proceed to layer the bottom of the greased baking dish with the sliced potatoes, ensuring a slight overlap between each piece. Evenly distribute a portion of the creamy sauce over the layer of potatoes, using a spoon to spread it evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese atop the sauce, adding a savory touch to the dish. Repeat this process, layering the potatoes, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are utilized, culminating in a final layer of sauce and cheese on top for an enticing finish.
Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
After covering the baking dish with aluminum foil, carefully transfer it into the preheated oven. Allow the dish to bake undisturbed for a duration of 45 minutes. Subsequently, remove the foil and prolong the baking process for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes achieve a tender consistency and the surface develops a golden brown hue, accompanied by delightful bubbling. Once fully baked, retrieve the scalloped potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for a brief period before serving. For a final touch of visual appeal and flavor, optionally garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve the scalloped potatoes while still hot, presenting them as a delectable side dish perfect for complementing your Easter feast.
Creamy scalloped potatoes, a delightful addition to any Easter celebration, bring layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a rich and flavorful sauce to the table. This classic dish is not only guaranteed to impress your guests but also has the potential to become a new family favorite. With its creamy goodness and comforting flavors, it adds an extra touch of warmth and indulgence to the festive feast, making it a perfect accompaniment to the Easter ham or any other main course. So, savor the creamy richness and relish the comforting flavors of this timeless side dish as you create new cherished memories with your loved ones during this special Easter gathering.
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes is a classic dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, flour, whole milk, and a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- After peeling the potatoes, carefully slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick. To prevent discoloration while you focus on making the sauce, soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium-sized saucepan, begin by melting the butter over medium heat until it becomes fragrant.
- Introduce the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Following this, evenly sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, ensuring continuous whisking to create a smooth paste known as a roux.
- Continue cooking the roux for a duration of 2 to 3 minutes, diligently stirring to prevent any clumps from forming.
- Gradually incorporate the milk into the mixture while maintaining a constant whisking motion, ensuring a lump-free consistency.
- Proceed to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and effectively coats the back of a spoon, typically requiring 5 to 7 minutes.
- To finalize the sauce, season it with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to your desired taste preferences, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- After draining the sliced potatoes, gently pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Proceed to layer the bottom of the greased baking dish with the sliced potatoes, ensuring a slight overlap between each piece.
- Evenly distribute a portion of the creamy sauce over the layer of potatoes, using a spoon to spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese atop the sauce, adding a savory touch to the dish.
- Repeat this process, layering the potatoes, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are utilized, culminating in a final layer of sauce and cheese on top for an enticing finish.
Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
- After covering the baking dish with aluminum foil, carefully transfer it into the preheated oven.
- Allow the dish to bake undisturbed for a duration of 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and prolong the baking process for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes achieve a tender consistency and the surface develops a golden brown hue, accompanied by delightful bubbling.
- Once fully baked, retrieve the scalloped potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for a brief period before serving.
- For a final touch of visual appeal and flavor, optionally garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves.
Equipment
American Kitchen 3-piece Premium Nonstick Skillet
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Boxiki Kitchen Nonstick Ceramic Baking Sheet
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Calphalon Kitchen Knife Set with Self-Sharpening Block
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Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Saucepan
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Buy Now → Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, between the layers of potatoes.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Holidays
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How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture for the sauce in Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?
To achieve a perfect creamy texture, make sure to gradually whisk in the milk while cooking the butter and flour mixture, and then simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
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How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy while baking?
To prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy, ensure that you slice them uniformly and not too thinly. Also, avoid overcooking the potatoes before layering them in the dish.
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How do I know when the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are fully cooked?
You'll know the dish is fully cooked when the top turns a golden brown, and when a knife can easily pierce through the layers of potatoes, indicating that they are tender.
