Kamil Perry
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that is often served during holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They are made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy sauce and cheese, and then baking them until tender. While traditional scalloped potatoes are baked in a milk or cream sauce without cheese, many recipes include cheese, resulting in a dish that is technically potatoes au gratin. To make scalloped potatoes with cheese, it is recommended to use a good melting cheese such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, or gruyere. The cheese is typically added in layers between the potatoes and on top of the dish. The dish is then baked until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, side dish |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, parmesan |
| Type of potatoes | Yukon gold, Russet |
| Other ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, thyme, onion |
| Baking instructions | Bake covered for 30-35 minutes at 400°F, then uncovered for 25-30 minutes at the same temperature |
| Baking dish | 8x8-inch or 9x13-inch |
| Baking temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
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What You'll Learn
The best type of cheese for scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They are made by layering potatoes with a creamy sauce and cheese, and then baking them until tender. While traditional scalloped potatoes are baked in a milk or cream sauce without cheese, many modern recipes include cheese, resulting in what is technically a combination of scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin.
When it comes to choosing the best type of cheese for scalloped potatoes, a good melting cheese is essential. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, as it adds a lot of flavours. Sharp cheddar, in particular, can give the dish a nice punch. Other options include Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. For a more decadent dish, grated cheese can be sprinkled between the layers of potatoes, resulting in a cheesy surprise with every bite.
It is important to note that store-bought shredded cheese often contains a coating that prevents it from melting smoothly, so shredding your own cheese from a block is recommended. Additionally, when preparing the potatoes, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly, typically between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices as they have a creamy texture and buttery flavour, and they will turn out soft and tender.
To make scalloped potatoes, start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a baking dish. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then mix in flour and salt. Stir in milk or cream, and then add the cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Layer the potatoes in the baking dish, staggering them with sliced onions, and pour the cheese sauce over them. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is browned. Let the dish stand for about 20 minutes before serving.
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When to add cheese to scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The dish typically consists of sliced potatoes layered in a casserole dish and baked with heavy cream and herbs. While some recipes for scalloped potatoes do include cheese, others consider this to be a defining feature of au gratin potatoes.
For a traditional scalloped potato dish without cheese, simply layer sliced potatoes with butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish, and bake until the potatoes are tender. However, if you're looking for a cheesier version of this classic dish, there are a few ways you can incorporate cheese into your scalloped potatoes.
One option is to sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the potatoes before baking. This will create a golden brown crust and add a delicious cheesy flavour to the dish. You can use any type of shredded cheese you like, but it's important to avoid store-bought shredded cheese, as it often contains a coating that prevents it from melting smoothly.
Alternatively, for an even cheesier treat, you can add cheese between the layers of potatoes. This will result in a decadent dish with cheese in every nook and cranny. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. A sharp cheddar cheese, for example, will give the dish a lot of flavour.
Finally, for a truly indulgent scalloped potato experience, you can do both! Sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the potatoes and add cubes or slices of cheese between the layers. This way, you'll get a delicious golden brown crust on top and cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
So, whether you choose to add cheese to the top, between the layers, or both, one thing is clear: scalloped potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that can be easily adapted to your cheesy preferences!
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How long to bake scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish that can be served at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any night of the year. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with a creamy sauce and cheese, then baked until tender and golden brown.
The total baking time for scalloped potatoes is around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the recipe and the desired level of browning on the cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to bake scalloped potatoes:
Step 1: Baking Covered
First, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This step helps trap the heat and moisture, ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly and that the sauce does not dry out. Bake the covered dish at 350°F to 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Step 2: Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 25 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden brown. If the cheese starts to get too brown before the potatoes are done, you can loosely cover the dish with foil again to prevent over-browning.
Step 3: Cooling and Serving
Once the scalloped potatoes are baked, transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Let the dish stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle and meld together.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Scalloped potatoes can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. When ready to serve, let the dish come to room temperature, preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake covered for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Customizations
Feel free to customize your scalloped potatoes with additional ingredients like bacon, ham, or herbs. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, fontina, or gruyere. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour.
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What to serve with scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with scalloped potatoes:
Holiday Meals
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They pair well with traditional holiday dishes such as ham, turkey, or roasted meats. Serve them alongside dinner rolls, green bean casserole, asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad for a festive spread.
Regular Dinners
For a regular weeknight dinner, scalloped potatoes can be served with your favourite protein, such as meatloaf, sausages, or fried pork chops. Chicken, especially rosemary chicken, is another good option as the mild flavour of chicken complements the creamy and cheesy potatoes well. If you're looking for a fish option, salmon is a great choice to pair with scalloped potatoes.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian or vegan meal, scalloped potatoes can be served as a main course with a nice salad and some great bread. You can also add chopped vegetarian sausages or portobello mushroom steak to the potatoes for a heartier option.
Other Sides
Scalloped potatoes can also be served with other side dishes such as soup, casserole, or roasted vegetables. They go well with bright salads like spinach salad or fennel salad.
Timing and Cheese
No matter what you serve with your scalloped potatoes, don't forget that the timing of adding cheese is important. The potatoes are baked covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered until the cheese on top is browned and the potatoes are tender, which usually takes 35 to 40 minutes. Let the dish stand for 20 minutes before serving to ensure the perfect texture and flavour.
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How to reheat scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side dish, perfect for holidays and gatherings. The dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy sauce and cheddar cheese, then baked until tender and the cheese is browned. But what happens when you have leftovers, or want to make it ahead of time? Here's how to reheat scalloped potatoes to ensure they're just as tasty as when they were first cooked.
Firstly, it's important to note that scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to reheat, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on the quantity of potatoes and your preferred method.
For individual portions, the oven method is recommended for the best results. Preheat your oven to 300-325 °F and bake the scalloped potatoes for 20-30 minutes. This ensures the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted again without burning. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, which is faster, at 50% power for 3-5 minutes.
If you have a larger portion of scalloped potatoes to reheat, the best method is to use a low-temperature oven. Set your oven to 300-325 °F and bake for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the portion. This will ensure that the potatoes are heated evenly and thoroughly without drying out.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat scalloped potatoes in the oven broiler drawer while your main dish is in the oven. This method is faster but may require some experimentation with timing to ensure even heating.
When reheating scalloped potatoes, it's important to ensure they don't dry out or burn. Using a covered casserole dish or an oven-safe container with a lid can help retain moisture and prevent burning. You can also cover the dish with foil and remove it towards the end of the heating time to allow the cheese to brown.
So, there you have it! Leftover scalloped potatoes can be just as delicious as when they were first made, and with these reheating methods, you can enjoy them perfectly heated whenever you like.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese is added to scalloped potatoes in layers, with cheese sauce and grated cheese in between each potato layer.
You can use any type of shredded cheese that melts well. Popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, and parmesan.
Bake covered for 30-35 minutes at 350-400°F, then uncovered for 25-35 minutes at the same temperature, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Yes, you can assemble the dish and add the cheese sauce, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes for up to a month. However, it's best to bake the potatoes first and reheat them in the oven with fresh cheese on top.
