Cheese Options For Scalloped Potatoes: The Best Melty Combinations

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious, indulgent side dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. While there are many different types of cheese that can be used, some of the most popular include cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and provolone. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and melting abilities that can enhance the dish. For a classic, crowd-pleasing option, a combination of cheddar and Gruyere is a safe bet. However, for those feeling more adventurous, mozzarella, smoked gouda, or Pepper Jack can add a unique twist to the traditional scalloped potatoes.

Cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan

Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan are all excellent choices for scalloped potatoes, and they complement each other well. Here are some tips and instructions for using these cheeses in your next batch of scalloped potatoes:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for scalloped potatoes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It has a sharp flavour that goes well with potatoes and other ingredients commonly used in scalloped potatoes. When selecting cheddar for your dish, consider using sharp cheddar to add extra flavour. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar, to find the variety that suits your taste preferences.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that adds richness, nuttiness, and a slightly sweet flavour to scalloped potatoes. Its luxurious texture and flavour make it a perfect choice for a comforting and indulgent dish. Gruyere is also known for its melting properties, which contribute to the creamy texture of scalloped potatoes. If you are unable to find Gruyere or prefer a substitute, similar cheeses such as Emmental, Jarlsberg, Raclette, or Beaufort can be used instead.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a salty and savoury cheese that can enhance the flavour of scalloped potatoes. It has a strong flavour, so a small amount can go a long way. When adding Parmesan to your dish, consider using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour and melting qualities. Additionally, look for Parmesan labelled as "vegetarian" if needed.

Combining the Cheeses

When combining these three cheeses in your scalloped potatoes, you can follow a similar recipe to the one below:

Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. Grease a square or rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Peel and slice your desired amount of potatoes into thin, even slices using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers in the baking dish.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux, ensuring it is well-mixed. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, and thyme to taste.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes in the baking dish.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and place the potatoes back in the oven, broiling for a few minutes until the top is lightly browned. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Use a mandoline to achieve thin, even slices of potato. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in the cheese sauce.
• If desired, add additional ingredients such as onion, garlic, or herbs to the cheese sauce for extra flavour.
• For crispy edges, consider using a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
• Feel free to adjust the amounts of each cheese to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with other cheese combinations, such as mozzarella and sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda for a smoky flavour.

Colby Jack, Cheddar and Parmesan

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including Colby Jack, Cheddar, and Parmesan. Here is a guide to using these cheeses to make the perfect scalloped potatoes.

If you're looking for a creamy and flavourful option, Colby Jack cheese is an excellent choice for scalloped potatoes. Its smooth texture and mild flavour will create a cohesive and tasty dish. Colby Jack melts easily, ensuring your scalloped potatoes have a delightful, gooey texture.

Cheddar cheese is another popular option for scalloped potatoes and for good reason! Cheddar adds a sharp and savoury flavour to the dish. Its strong flavour means a little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective option. Cheddar also melts well, ensuring your scalloped potatoes are creamy and indulgent. For the best results, opt for shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt evenly and create a cohesive sauce.

For those who want to add a crunchy, golden topping to their scalloped potatoes, Parmesan cheese is the way to go. Parmesan has a strong, nutty flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the dish. It melts well and forms a crispy, cheesy topping when broiled or grilled. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it will have a better texture and flavour than pre-grated options.

When making scalloped potatoes with these cheeses, it's important to consider the type of potatoes you use. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets, are ideal as they create a creamy sauce. However, if you prefer your potatoes to hold their shape better during baking, opt for Yukon Golds.

Additionally, you can customise your scalloped potatoes by adding various ingredients. For example, garlic can be sautéed in butter to create a delicious base for your sauce, and herbs such as chives can be used for garnish. If you want to add some meat to the dish, consider including ham or bacon.

By following these tips and using a combination of Colby Jack, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, you'll create a delicious and indulgent scalloped potato dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Cheddar, Provolone and Romano

Cheddar, Provolone, and Romano for Scalloped Potatoes

Cheddar, provolone, and Romano are all excellent choices for scalloped potatoes. Each cheese has a distinct flavour and texture that can enhance this classic dish. Here is a more detailed look at each cheese and how it can be used to create delicious scalloped potatoes.

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for scalloped potatoes, as its sharp, tangy flavour pairs well with the starchiness of the potatoes. When making cheddar scalloped potatoes, it is essential to shred the cheese finely so that it melts smoothly into the sauce. Additionally, sautéing onions in butter or margarine until they are soft adds depth of flavour to the dish. For best results, bake the potatoes covered for the first 35 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle with additional cheese before returning to the oven to brown. This will ensure that the potatoes are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Provolone Scalloped Potatoes

Provolone cheese, with its mild, nutty flavour, is another excellent option for scalloped potatoes. To make provolone scalloped potatoes, shredded provolone cheese is mixed with fresh or frozen thinly sliced potatoes and baked in a buttered dish. The key to this dish is to use a combination of shredded provolone mixed throughout the potatoes and sprinkled on top for a gooey, cheesy finish. Baking at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, will result in a delicious, bubbly dish.

Romano Scalloped Potatoes

Romano cheese, also known as Pecorino Romano, is a strong, nutty-flavoured cheese that can be used to add a subtle cheesy taste to scalloped potatoes. When using Romano cheese, it is important to grate it finely so that it melts evenly into the dish. This type of cheese pairs well with sweet onions and can be enhanced by adding crushed croutons for a crunchy texture. To prepare Romano scalloped potatoes, layer sliced potatoes, flour, milk or half-and-half, seasoning, and grated Romano cheese in a casserole dish. Repeat the layers, topping with croutons, and bake for about an hour covered, then an additional 30 minutes uncovered, until the potatoes are tender.

Mozzarella, Provolone and Gruyere

Mozzarella, Provolone, and Gruyere are all excellent choices for scalloped potatoes. Each cheese will lend a different character to the dish.

Mozzarella is a soft, stringy cheese that will lend a gooey texture to the scalloped potatoes. It pairs well with garlic and Parmesan, as seen in this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.

Provolone is a mild, slightly sweet cheese that melts well and is often used in baked dishes. It is a good choice for scalloped potatoes, as it can be used with or without other cheeses. This Provolone Scalloped Potatoes recipe includes shredded provolone cheese, butter or margarine, and thinly sliced fresh or frozen potatoes.

Gruyere is a nutty, salty, slightly sweet Swiss cheese with a luxurious texture and flavour. It is the star ingredient in this indulgent and comforting Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes recipe. The nuttiness of Gruyere pairs well with the creamy, buttery flavour of Yukon Gold potatoes and fragrant fresh thyme. This recipe also includes a cream sauce infused with onion and garlic, creating an irresistible combination of flavours and textures.

All three cheeses will result in delicious scalloped potatoes, each with its own unique character and flavour profile.

Smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack and Pecorino

Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes

Smoked gouda scalloped potatoes are a delicious, rich, and creamy dish that will satisfy all cheese lovers. The smoked gouda adds a strong flavour to the dish, so you won't need to use as much cheese as you would with other varieties. This recipe includes garlic, butter, salt, and pepper, and is cooked at 325 degrees for one and a half hours.

Pepper Jack Scalloped Potatoes

If you're looking for a dish with a kick, pepper jack scalloped potatoes are a fantastic option. This variety of cheese adds a spicy, hot pepper flavour to the dish, which pairs perfectly with ham or meatloaf. This recipe also includes onion, flour, milk, and cream, and is cooked at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

Pecorino Romano Scalloped Potatoes

Pecorino Romano is a nutty, strong-flavoured cheese that can be used to make a delicious scalloped potato dish. The cheese adds a subtle flavour to the potatoes and is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of potatoes, onions, cheese, and croutons. This recipe also includes flour, milk or half-and-half, sea salt, and ground pepper, and is cooked at 350 degrees for one hour, followed by an additional 30 minutes of cooking without the foil.

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