Scalloped potatoes are the quintessential comfort food, evoking memories of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and cozy dinners at home. This dish, with its layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, is a true classic that has stood the test of time. My introduction to scalloped potatoes came from my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of onions and garlic simmering in butter would fill the air, signaling that a delicious meal was on its way. This recipe for the Best Scalloped Potatoes captures that nostalgia and brings it to your table with a modern touch.
Ingredients
¼ cup butter
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the scalloped potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Melt Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium-low heat. The butter will provide a rich base for the sauce.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Flour: Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will thicken the sauce and eliminate the raw flour taste.
Combine Milk and Broth: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth mixture to the roux, a small amount at a time, whisking continuously. This slow addition helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
Thicken Sauce: As you continue adding the liquid, the mixture will become very thick. Keep whisking and adding liquid until all the milk and broth are incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a boil while continuing to whisk. Stir in ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Let the sauce boil for 1 minute to thicken further, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Layer Potatoes: Place ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Sauce: Pour ⅓ of the cream sauce over the layer of potatoes, spreading it evenly.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of cream sauce on top.
Step 4: Bake the Potatoes
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Covering the dish helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly.
Uncover and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Broil for Golden Top: For a beautifully golden top, broil the dish for 3-4 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Rest the Dish: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.
Serve: Serve the scalloped potatoes warm as a side dish to your favorite main course. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or a fresh salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: For an extra indulgent version, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir the cheese into the sauce after it has thickened but before layering with the potatoes.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the sauce for added flavor. Simply stir the chopped herbs into the sauce after it thickens.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Healthier Version: Use skim milk and reduce the amount of butter to make a lighter version of this classic dish. You can also add thinly sliced vegetables such as zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use cassava flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Best Scalloped Potatoes are a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With their creamy sauce and tender layers, they are a delightful addition to any dinner table. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. The result is a rich, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress.
In conclusion, this dish not only tastes amazing but also evokes the comforting feeling of home-cooked meals shared with family and friends. It’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again, creating new memories with each delicious bite.
