If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty side dish, homemade scalloped potatoes are a classic choice. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and satisfying side. Making scalloped potatoes from scratch is surprisingly easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.
At its core, scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. The dish has been a staple in American cuisine for generations and is beloved for its rich and indulgent flavor. While there are many variations on the recipe, the basic steps are the same: slice the potatoes, make a sauce, layer the potatoes and sauce in a baking dish, and bake until golden and bubbly.
One of the best things about making scalloped potatoes at home is that you can customize the recipe to your liking. You can add different cheeses, herbs, or spices to the sauce, or even swap out the potatoes for another root vegetable like sweet potatoes or parsnips. With a little creativity, you can make this classic dish your own and enjoy it for years to come.
Ingredients
Homemade scalloped potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this dish:
- 5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
These ingredients are all easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making this dish a great choice for feeding a crowd or for a cozy night in. Make sure to use good quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cheese, as it will really make a difference in the final flavor of the dish.
With these ingredients, we can create a dish that is rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Let’s move on to the next step and learn how to make the perfect scalloped potatoes.
Preparation
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Before we start making our homemade scalloped potatoes, we need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what we need:
- 6-8 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your oven is ready when we’re done preparing the potatoes.
Step 3: Peel and Slice Potatoes
Peel your potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. We recommend using a mandoline slicer to ensure that all the slices are of uniform thickness. This will help the potatoes cook evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
Now that we’ve completed these four steps, we’re ready to start assembling our homemade scalloped potatoes!
Baking
Now that our scalloped potatoes are assembled, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the dish on the middle rack. The potatoes will need to bake for about an hour or until they are tender and the top is golden brown.
It’s important to cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese and cream from burning. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking until the potatoes are fully cooked and the top is crispy.
If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the potatoes for 45 minutes instead. However, be careful not to overcook them or the potatoes will become mushy.
Once the scalloped potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese and cream to set and make it easier to scoop out portions.
Remember to always use oven mitts or a thick towel when handling hot dishes. And don’t forget to turn off the oven after you’re done baking!
Serving
Now that our homemade scalloped potatoes are ready, it’s time to serve them up! We recommend pairing them with a protein of your choice, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak, and a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe and bake the potatoes in a large casserole dish. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on the potatoes to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown on top.
For a more elegant presentation, you can also serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Top each portion with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips
When making homemade scalloped potatoes, there are a few tips that can make the process easier and ensure a delicious end result.
First, choose the right potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes because they have a high starch content and hold their shape well during cooking.
It’s also important to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer or food processor with a slicing attachment can make this task easier and quicker.
When making the sauce, be sure to use room temperature milk and whisk the flour into the butter until smooth before adding the milk. This will prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
For added flavor, consider adding grated cheese or herbs to the sauce. Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan are all great options, and fresh thyme or rosemary can add a fragrant touch.
Finally, be patient and allow the scalloped potatoes to bake until they are golden brown and bubbly. This may take longer than expected, but the result will be well worth the wait.
