Cheese And Scalloped Potatoes: Perfect Pairing For Comfort Food

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious, creamy, and indulgent dish that can be served as a side or main course. The type of cheese you use can make or break this dish, so it's important to choose the right one. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in scalloped potatoes, some of the most popular options include sharp cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, and provolone. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and melting points, allowing you to customize your scalloped potatoes to your taste preferences. For a more decadent dish, you can even combine multiple types of cheese to create a unique flavour profile.

Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, and parmesan are all good cheese options

Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, and parmesan are all excellent choices for scalloped potatoes.

For a classic, traditional take on scalloped potatoes, a sharp cheddar is a popular choice. It has a strong flavour that goes well with potatoes, and it melts well. If you want to experiment with a combination, a mozzarella and sharp cheddar mix is a great pairing. The mozzarella will provide a nice, creamy texture with its low melting point, and the sharp cheddar flavour goes well with potatoes.

Gruyere is another excellent option for scalloped potatoes. It is a mild cheese that melts well and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. It is often combined with parmesan, which adds a salty, savoury note to the dish. This combination is a sure crowd-pleaser.

Fontina is another cheese that melts well and has a mild, nutty flavour. It is a good choice if you want a more subtle cheese flavour in your scalloped potatoes. Gouda is also a good option, as it has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and melts well.

For those who want a more adventurous option, mozzarella, provolone, or smoked gouda would give a nice, gooey texture and an interesting flavour profile. For a spicy kick, pepper jack can be a fun addition.

Ultimately, the best cheese for scalloped potatoes comes down to personal preference. The cheeses mentioned above melt well and have complementary flavours that go well with potatoes. You can choose a single cheese or combine a few to create a unique, delicious dish.

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for scalloped potatoes, the best options are Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These two varieties stand out for several reasons, and their unique characteristics make them ideal for this delicious dish.

First and foremost, Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes have just the right amount of starchiness. This quality is essential because it helps to thicken the creamy sauce that is a signature component of scalloped potatoes. While Russet potatoes are known for their higher starch content, Yukon Golds offer a balance with their slightly waxy nature. This combination of starch and waxiness ensures that the potatoes hold their shape well during the baking process and don't break apart, resulting in a dish with a perfect texture.

Another advantage of using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes is their versatility in terms of flavour. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, have a mild flavour and a fluffy texture when baked. This makes them an excellent base for the other ingredients in scalloped potatoes, allowing the flavours of cheese, herbs, and seasonings to shine through. On the other hand, Yukon Gold potatoes are prized for their nuanced, buttery taste and creamy texture. Their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish, making them a favourite among those who enjoy a richer, more indulgent scalloped potato experience.

The thin skins of Yukon Gold potatoes are also worth noting. This feature means that they don't require peeling, saving time in the kitchen. While Russet potatoes are typically peeled before use, their thin skins contribute to an earthier flavour that can complement the other ingredients in scalloped potatoes.

In terms of visual appeal, both types of potatoes excel in creating a beautiful presentation. Russet potatoes have a pure white flesh that contributes to a clean, elegant look in the final dish. Yukon Gold potatoes, with their yellow hue, add a touch of colour and a buttery richness to the overall appearance, making them a favourite for special occasions.

While both Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for scalloped potatoes, it's worth mentioning that they can also be used interchangeably in many recipes. However, for scalloped potatoes, their unique characteristics truly shine, creating a dish that is not only visually appealing but also delights the palate with every bite.

You can add meat, such as ham or bacon

Adding meat to scalloped potatoes can take this dish from a side to a main course. Meats such as ham or bacon are popular choices.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

For scalloped potatoes with ham, you can use a thinner-skinned white potato or Russet potatoes. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on. Layer the potatoes with diced ham and a sauce made from diced onions, butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. You can also add cheese to the sauce to make it more like a potatoes au gratin. Shredded cheese can also be added to the top of the dish for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon

Scalloped potatoes with bacon typically include bacon crumbles or bacon bits. You can fry or bake the bacon before adding it to the dish. For scalloped potatoes with bacon, you can use either Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Layer the potatoes with the bacon, cheese, caramelized onions, and a sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

Try adding vegetables like spinach or kale

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side dish for any occasion, but they can be made even better by adding some vegetables like spinach or kale. This addition not only adds a burst of colour and a heartier texture but also provides a healthy update to the dish. Here's how you can include these nutritious greens in your scalloped potatoes:

Preparation

When preparing the vegetables, you can chop or slice them into small pieces. Fresh spinach or kale leaves can be chopped finely and added directly to the dish. If you prefer frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before stirring it into the sauce.

Amount to Add

The amount of spinach or kale you add to your scalloped potatoes is up to your preference. A large handful of fresh greens or about 1 pound of frozen spinach is a good starting point. You can always adjust the amount based on your taste and the number of servings you're preparing.

Cooking Instructions

The vegetables can be added at different stages of the cooking process. One option is to stir the greens into the sauce before layering the potatoes. This ensures even distribution and allows the flavours to meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can layer the greens between the potatoes, creating a colourful and flavourful surprise in each bite.

Benefits of Adding Spinach or Kale

Spinach and kale are nutrient-dense superfoods that offer various health benefits. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting the nutritional value of your scalloped potatoes. These greens also add a unique flavour and texture to the dish, making it more interesting and appealing.

Flavour Profile

The addition of spinach or kale to scalloped potatoes creates a savoury flavour profile with a hint of earthy and nutty notes. The greens complement the creamy and cheesy elements of the dish, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying flavour experience.

Visual Appeal

Incorporating spinach or kale into your scalloped potatoes adds a pop of colour to the dish. The vibrant green hues of the vegetables contrast beautifully with the creamy potatoes and golden cheese, making your dish even more inviting and appetising.

Tips for Customisation

You can further customise your scalloped potatoes with vegetables by experimenting with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere. Additionally, you can include other ingredients like garlic, fresh thyme, or even bacon or ham for a heartier dish.

By adding vegetables like spinach or kale to your scalloped potatoes, you not only enhance the nutritional profile of the dish but also create a unique and flavourful side that your family and friends will love!

For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious, creamy, and indulgent dish. They are a perfect holiday side or a comforting weeknight meal. The key to scalloped potatoes is the cheese sauce, which is made with a combination of cheeses, butter, flour, and milk or cream. This sauce is then layered with thinly sliced potatoes and baked to perfection.

One way to add a crispy texture to your scalloped potatoes is to change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked. Broiling the potatoes will give them a golden brown colour and a nutty flavour. It is important to keep a close eye on the potatoes while they are under the broiler, as they can burn quickly.

• Prepare your scalloped potatoes according to your favourite recipe.
• Bake the scalloped potatoes in the oven at the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 400°F (200°C).
• Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and change the oven setting to broil.
• Place the baking dish on the top rack of the oven, closer to the heating element.
• Broil the potatoes for a few minutes, keeping a close watch to ensure they do not burn.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven when they are golden brown and crispy on top.
• Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you will achieve a crispy and delicious topping on your scalloped potatoes. Just remember to watch the potatoes carefully under the broiler to avoid overcooking or burning them. Enjoy your cheesy, creamy, and crispy scalloped potatoes!

Frequently asked questions