Delicious Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Your Next Meal
The tantalizing aroma of southern-style cuisine wafts through the air, drawing me to the kitchen. As a chef specializing in southern cuisine, I have had the pleasure of indulging in some of the most flavorful and comforting dishes out there. And today, I am thrilled to share with you my latest obsession – Southern Scalloped Potatoes.
These cheesy, creamy potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones or a soulful family dinner. The dish is relatively easy to prepare and only requires a handful of ingredients, making it a staple for any home cook.
It doesn’t take much to fall in love with this recipe, with its creamy sauce, thinly sliced potatoes, and golden baked crust. In addition to its heartiness and warmth, Southern Scalloped Potatoes also give an alluring aesthetic appeal that will leave your guests bowled over.
Be prepared to indulge yourself in this ultimate comfort food experience as I guide you through the steps to make scrumptious Southern Scalloped Potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that my Southern Scalloped Potatoes recipe is one you’ll love. What’s not to love about tender, creamy potatoes baked in a gooey, cheesy sauce? This dish is the ultimate comfort food and makes for a perfect side dish or even as a main course.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also versatile. You can switch up the types of potatoes you use depending on your preference, whether it be Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold. Additionally, with the option to add sausage or cheddar cheese soup, this dish can be customized to suit any taste buds.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its soulful taste. As a true southern classic, these scalloped potatoes embody the down-home feel and flavor of southern cooking. Just imagine taking one bite and being transported to a countryside kitchen with the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air.
So go ahead and give my Southern Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a try. Once you do, I guarantee it will become a staple on your dinner table and have you eagerly awaiting the next time you get a chance to indulge in this southern-style classic.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredient lists that you need to prepare for this southern-style scalloped potatoes recipe:
Potatoes Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices)
- 2 yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices)
Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients for Variations
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar cheese soup
Scalloped Potatoes with Sausage
- 1 pound cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
You can also change the type of potatoes according to your preference. However, keep in mind that the best ones to use are the russet or Idaho potatoes since they will give you the tender, creamy, and flavorful taste for this dish.
The Recipe How-To
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
A little secret I’ve learned from my grandmother, you can never go wrong with using butter in southern-style cooking.
- Add 3 tablespoons of diced onions and cook until translucent for about 3 minutes.
- Next, add in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until the sauce thickens.
Making a roux is the key to get that creamy texture you want in your scalloped potatoes. Don’t add all the milk at once or else it’ll be too runny. One last tip: use room temperature milk to prevent lump formation.
Prepping the Potatoes
- Peel and slice 4 large russet potatoes into thin, even slices.
The uniformity in slicing ensures that all layers have consistent doneness. Also, don’t wash the potatoes after peeling them as the starch will help thicken the cream sauce.
Layering the Potatoes
- In a large bowl, toss together the sliced potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and remaining melted butter.
I prefer using salted butter here for added flavor.
- Begin layering one-third of the potato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
Alternate between layers of potato mixture and cream sauce, but always end with a layer of cream sauce on top so it doesn’t dry out while baking.
- Repeat with another layer of potato mixture and remaining cream sauce before finally adding the last layer of potato mixture on top.
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese between the layers of potatoes.
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Keeping the dish covered for the first 30-35 minutes will help the potatoes cook through thoroughly without drying out.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and top is browned and bubbly.
If you want that crispy, golden top finish, broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking time.
Enjoy your cheesy, soul food scalloped potatoes fresh out of the oven!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern-style cuisine is all about flexibility and allowing for creative twists on classic recipes. Here are some substitutions and variations to try for the Scalloped Potatoes recipe:
1. Yukon Gold Potatoes: If you’re looking for a buttery texture, try substituting Russet Potatoes with Yukon Gold Potatoes.
2. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add some sharp cheddar cheese to the cream sauce for a gooey, cheesy twist on this classic Southern dish. You can also add Betty Crocker Cheddar Cheese soup to your cream sauce mix.
3. Sausage: Want to add more savory flavor? Try adding sausage to your Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Cut the sausage into small pieces and scatter them over the potato mixture before baking.
4. Au Gratin Potatoes: If you want to take things up a notch, consider turning your Scalloped Potatoes into Au Gratin potatoes by adding breadcrumbs, shredded cheese or even sliced tomatoes.
5. Easy Cheesy Scallop Potato Casserole: You can turn this recipe into a casserole dish! Instead of using sliced potatoes, use shredded ones and layer them in a casserole dish with the cream sauce and cheese.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and play around with different ingredients to make this recipe truly your own!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these southern scalloped potatoes, there is no limit to your options. These potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal, and they pair perfectly with any number of meats like roast beef, ham, or chicken. They also work well with a variety of vegetables or side salads which will add some freshness and crunch to your meal.
One suggestion for serving these potatoes is to make them the centerpiece of a delicious brunch dish. Just pair them with some fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage patties, and you have yourself an exceptional breakfast or brunch spread.
Another option is to spice things up with some heat by adding jalapenos or cayenne pepper into the mix. This will give your scalloped potatoes a bit of a kick and create an excellent counterpoint to rich meats like ribs or barbecued brisket.
Lastly, these cheesy scalloped potatoes can be topped with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for added texture and crunchiness.
In my opinion, I highly recommend pairing these southern-style scalloped potatoes with a hearty meat dish like smoked brisket or roasted pork loin. These potatoes will complement the rich flavors of the meats perfectly while still standing out as the star of the show. Trust me; everyone at your dinner table will be begging you for the recipe!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I always look for ways to make cooking more manageable. Fortunately, this southern scalloped potatoes recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated later without loss of flavor or texture.
One option is to prepare the potato mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to reheat, simply pour half of the cream sauce onto the scalloped potatoes and cover with foil. Place it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, remove from the oven and pour the remaining sauce on top. Bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Another alternative is to cook the full dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cover your leftovers with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.
If you have leftover scalloped potatoes and are looking to give them new life, try using them as a filling for breakfast burritos or as a side dish for lunch sandwiches.
Finally, when storing any leftovers in the fridge, be sure to let them cool down completely first. When reheating, add a bit of milk or cream to get back that delicious creamy texture. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to scalloped potatoes, a few tips and tricks can make all the difference between a dish that tastes just okay and one that is downright scrumptious. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have gathered some tips over the years to help you get the perfect result every time you make this classic soul food dish.
Firstly, using Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes instead of russet potatoes is my top pick when making scalloped potatoes. These potato varieties have less starch compared to russet potatoes, and they tend to hold their shape better during cooking. This helps prevent the potatoes from breaking apart or turning mushy while providing satisfying texture.
Secondly, sliced potatoes should be of consistent thickness. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for best results as this ensures that each layer cooks at the same pace. Additionally, soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes before assembling helps draw out some of the starch and excess moisture which can produce gummy results.
Thirdly, I recommend generously seasoning each layer of sliced potatoes with salt and black pepper. This crucial step creates depth in flavor in each bite rather than having bland-tasting spots within the dish.
Fourthly, do not skip the step of making a roux. This traditional French sauce base helps to thicken dishes like scalloped potatoes when heated up with milk or heavy cream for extra richness. The ratio of flour to butter should be 2 tablespoons of butter to one-quarter cup of all-purpose flour for an ideal recipe.
Fifthly, adding other ingredients like onions or sausage provides additional complexity to these deceptively simple spud dishes. Caramelized onions give an added sweetness, while sausage-like kielbasa or chorizo bring another flavor profile that complements the dish.
Lastly, allow your scalloped potatoes to rest after removing them from the oven for about ten minutes before serving. This will not only help thicken the sauce but will also allow the potatoes to settle and absorb the flavors from the cream sauce. With these tips, you will make amazing and memorable scalloped potatoes fit for any occasion.
FAQ
Before we proceed to the final part of this Southern Scalloped Potatoes recipe article, let’s take a moment to address some frequently asked questions about this soul food favorite.
How do you make Martha Stewart scalloped potatoes?
Let’s get this southern-style recipe started by preheating the oven to a toasty 375 degrees. Meanwhile, I recommend transferring some chopped potatoes and minced garlic to a large pot with some creamy goodness such as cream and milk. Add some fragrant thyme, a tablespoon of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. Mingle all the ingredients together like old friends at a party.
Once you are done with that, I suggest spooning around one-third of the potato mixture into a ready-to-bake dish. Make sure to smooth any lumps or bumps; the dish should look as smooth as butter. Pop that bad boy into the oven and let it cook for somewhere between 35 to 40 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? Just take a little fork or a knife, and pierce the potatoes. If they are tender enough to slide right through, you are good to go!
How does Ina Garten make scalloped potatoes?
To get started, grab some potatoes and peel them. Make sure to slice them thinly either by hand or by using a mandolin. Then, grab a large bowl and mix the sliced potatoes with 2 cups of cream, 2 cups of Gruyère cheese, and some salt and black pepper. Don’t forget to add some fennel and onion for extra flavor. Mix everything together well before transferring the potato mixture into a baking dish.
What’s the difference between au gratin potatoes and scalloped potatoes?
When it comes to potato-based dishes, there are two popular options: scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin. Scalloped potatoes require a straightforward baking process in a creamy sauce, while potatoes au gratin are more indulgent, as layers of potatoes are interspersed with lots of cheese. The recipe calls for cheese on top of the casserole as well.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Scalloped Potatoes recipe is an easy and delicious dish that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting and hearty meal. With its cheesy and creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory onions, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients, and the results are simply amazing. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this Southern-style recipe is a must-try.
So go ahead and gather your ingredients, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and let’s get started! And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about making this dish, don’t hesitate to refer back to our Tips and FAQ sections for guidance.
In no time at all, you’ll be serving up a piping hot dish of soulful Scalloped Potatoes that will leave everyone at the table feeling happy and satisfied. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Southern Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -5 large idaho potatoes, peeled
- 3 large onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 cups milk (or more)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until they're halfway done, then cut into slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- Set aside.
- Slice three onions and sauté in butter until transparent.
- Sprinkle flour into this mixture and continue to sauté until flour begins to darken a little.
- Add milk and continue stirring until the sauce is at the consistency you like.
- It should be medium-thick.
- Add sliced potatoes to the pan and mix very well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake casserole at 350 degrees until it turns a bit brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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