Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
If you’re looking for a dish that will steal the show at your next family gathering, look no further than these Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy delight is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare. Imagine layers of tender potatoes infused with fresh herbs and smothered in a rich cream sauce—yum! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy dinner, these potatoes are sure to become a staple in your home.
What makes this recipe even more special is how adaptable it is. You can whip it up on busy weeknights or dress it up for festive occasions. No matter when you serve them, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: The steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes? These scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready—stress-free cooking!
- Delicious Flavor: Infused with fresh herbs and loaded with parmesan, these potatoes are bursting with flavor.
- Perfect Presentation: The shingled layers make for a stunning dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find—just what you want for a comforting side dish!
For the Scalloped Potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- Heavy cream (2 cups)
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage) (1 tablespoon, chopped)
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons)
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base (1 tablespoon)
- Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup grated)
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the Herbs: Try using fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Change the Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano cheese if you’re looking for a sharper taste.
- Switch Up the Potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes can add color and a slightly different texture.
- Experiment with Bases: If you don’t have the roasted garlic base, try Better Than Bouillon Sautéed Onion Base or Roasted Turkey Base instead.
How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that delicious golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Then sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan in the bottom. This will help prevent sticking and create a lovely cheesy layer at the bottom.
Step 3: Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, remaining butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base. Heat gently until the butter melts and you see wisps of steam—this step enhances the flavors by infusing the cream with herbs.
Step 4: Slice Your Potatoes
Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice each potato to about ⅛ inch thick. Gather them into stacks and arrange them diagonally in your prepared baking dish. This fanned-out presentation adds elegance while ensuring even cooking.
Step 5: Assemble It All
Pour that beautiful infused cream mixture over your stacked potatoes. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they’re tender.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for another 20 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps thicken that creamy sauce around the edges. If you’d like an extra crispy top, broil it for about 4 minutes until golden brown!
Your Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are now ready to impress! Serve them hot as an inviting side dish that everyone will rave about. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
These Parmesan scalloped potatoes are sure to impress your guests, and a few simple tips can take them from great to unforgettable!
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Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them perfect for scalloping, ensuring a rich, satisfying dish.
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Infuse the Cream: Letting the cream mixture simmer with herbs and garlic not only enhances flavor but also creates a beautifully aromatic base that seeps into every layer of potato.
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Don’t Overlap the Potatoes: Stacking the potato slices loosely allows for even cooking and prevents sogginess, resulting in perfectly tender yet slightly crisp edges.
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Broil for Extra Crispiness: A quick broil at the end gives your scalloped potatoes a deliciously golden top layer that adds texture and visual appeal.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut and serve while enhancing flavors.
How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Serving your Parmesan scalloped potatoes beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to make this delicious dish shine on your table!
Garnishes
- Chopped Parsley or Chives: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the creamy dish.
- Extra Grated Parmesan: A light dusting just before serving not only enhances flavor but also makes it look more appetizing.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balances the richness of the scalloped potatoes, creating a well-rounded plate.
- Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots add a lovely contrast in flavor and color, making them an excellent companion.
- Green Bean Almondine: Crunchy green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Simple Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a crisp, tangy complement to the hearty scalloped potatoes.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Parmesan scalloped potatoes will not only taste amazing but look stunning on your holiday table! Enjoy creating this comforting dish as part of your Thanksgiving menu—it’s sure to become a cherished tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish holds up well in storage.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, let the dish cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, slice before freezing.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
- For crispy edges, broil for a few minutes at the end.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.
Can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes without cream?
Yes! You can use a combination of vegetable broth and non-dairy milk as alternatives. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How do I ensure my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes turn out creamy?
For creamy scalloped potatoes, avoid overlapping the potato slices too much and bake them covered until tender. The infused cream mixture is key!
Can I use different types of cheese in Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano cheese is a fantastic substitute that will still deliver great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
What should I serve with Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?
These scalloped potatoes pair well with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How long do Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes take to cook?
The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with an additional 4 minutes under the broiler if desired for that golden finish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! They not only elevate any meal but also bring warmth and comfort to your dining table. It’s such a pleasure to share this recipe with you; may it become a beloved addition to your holiday gatherings. Happy cooking!
Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Introducing the ultimate comfort food: Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! This creamy, cheesy delight is a guaranteed hit at any gathering, with layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes infused with fresh herbs and enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or casual weeknights, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to suit your taste. With its elegant presentation and mouthwatering flavor, these scalloped potatoes are destined to become a cherished staple in your home. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle in about 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, remaining butter, herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic base. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture is fragrant.
- Thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes using a mandoline slicer and arrange them diagonally in the baking dish.
- Pour the infused cream over the potatoes and cover tightly with greased aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
