Welcome to our recipe blog, where we dive deep into the culinary arts, illuminating the finer points of home cooking. Today, we’re preparing a classic favorite that graces the tables of many households: Perfect Scalloped Potatoes. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, marrying creamy layers of potatoes with gooey, melted cheese to create a rich, satisfying experience.
The secret to achieving perfect scalloped potatoes lies in the combination of quality ingredients and careful preparation. Using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes will yield the best results, as they provide a lovely texture that stands up well to the creamy sauce. As you set out to make this dish, keep in mind the importance of slicing your potatoes evenly—this ensures that they cook uniformly, resulting in a decadent final product.
One of the remarkable aspects of scalloped potatoes is their versatility. They make an excellent side dish for a range of entrees, from a juicy roast chicken to a succulent steak. Moreover, if you’re looking to serve a crowd, this dish scales beautifully—making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or festive occasions.
Health Benefits
While indulgent, this dish can be a part of a balanced meal. Potatoes, when enjoyed in moderation, are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B6, and potassium. Furthermore, the presence of dairy adds calcium to your diet.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our components:
- 2 T. butter
- 2 T. flour
- 1-1/2 c. milk
- 1/2 c. vegetable or low sodium chicken broth
- 2 t. dried thyme
- 2 lb. potatoes, freshly and evenly sliced, 1/8-1/4” thick
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1-1/2 c. gouda cheese, grated
- 1/2 c. parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
Now, let’s dive into the making process:
- Preheat the oven to 400° F and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and broth, whisking constantly until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the dried thyme; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the casserole, top with half of the onion, cream sauce, and gouda cheese. Repeat, finishing with parmesan cheese.
- Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
In each bite, you will experience a delightful harmony of flavors, from the savory thyme to the rich cheeses. Have you tried this recipe? We would love to hear your feedback in the comments below! Enjoy your culinary adventure with these perfect scalloped potatoes!
