Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to wow your guests this Thanksgiving, look no further than these Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and infused with a delightful hint of garlic, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen. What I love most about it is how easily it can elevate any meal—from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Plus, it’s so comforting that everyone will want seconds!
These easy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are not just about the taste; they offer a beautiful presentation that makes them a hit at any table. The combination of fresh herbs and lots of parmesan cheese creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
- Gourmet Flavor: Infusing the cream with herbs gives these scalloped potatoes a rich and sophisticated taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!
For the Scalloped Potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes (or red-skinned potatoes)
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
- Grated parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Variations
One of the best things about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes is their flexibility! You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Change the Cheese: Swap out parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- Get Creative with Herbs: Use thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
- Try Different Potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes work wonderfully too—give them a try!
- Alter the Base Flavor: Substitute Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base with Sautéed Onion Base or Roasted Turkey Base for a unique twist.
How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your scalloped potatoes will cook evenly and reach that perfect golden brown top.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese on top. This step adds flavor and helps prevent sticking while creating a lovely crust on the bottom.
Step 3: Infuse the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base. Heat until the butter melts and small wisps of smoke appear—about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully before adding your cheese.
Step 4: Slice the Potatoes
Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice each potato to about ⅛ inch thick. Gather these slices into loose stacks and arrange them diagonally in your prepared baking dish. Layering them like this not only looks beautiful but also helps ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Pour Over Cream Mixture
Carefully pour your infused cream mixture over the arranged potato slices. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil to keep moisture in while baking. Bake covered for about 45 minutes to allow those tasty flavors to soak into every slice.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, uncover the dish and continue baking for another 20 minutes. By this time, your potatoes should be tender, and the cream will have thickened around the edges. If needed, broil for an additional 4 minutes to get that gorgeous golden brown top!
And there you have it—deliciously creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot as a delectable side dish at your next gathering; I promise they’ll be gone before you know it!
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Creating the perfect Parmesan scalloped potatoes is all about technique and a few secret ingredients. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish is the star of your Thanksgiving table!
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Use a mandoline slicer: This kitchen tool ensures your potato slices are consistently thin, allowing for even cooking and that beautifully creamy texture you crave.
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Infuse your cream: Taking the time to heat your cream with herbs and Better Than Bouillon adds layers of flavor that make a significant difference in the final dish.
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Layer thoughtfully: Arrange the potato slices in a shingled pattern, as this not only looks stunning but also helps them cook evenly while creating those gorgeous crispy edges.
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Don’t skip the broiling step: Broiling at the end gives your scalloped potatoes that irresistible golden brown top, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
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Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps to set up the layers. This makes serving easier and enhances the overall texture.
How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Parmesan scalloped potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a beautiful centerpiece on any holiday table. Here’s how you can present this delightful dish.
Garnishes
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives offer a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes perfectly.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans roasted with a bit of garlic provide a great contrast in texture and add vibrant color to your plate.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with maple syrup create a lovely balance against the savory potatoes, rounding out your meal beautifully.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the creaminess of scalloped potatoes, offering a refreshing palate cleanse.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens dressed in a tangy vinaigrette provides an excellent contrast to the rich flavors of this dish while keeping things fresh.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Parmesan scalloped potatoes will be sure to impress family and friends alike! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors without the last-minute rush. You can prepare it in advance and store it properly to savor later.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing
- To freeze, let the dish cool fully and cut into portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to two months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For added crispiness, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.
Can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes without heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch for thickness or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
What type of potatoes work best for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture, but red-skinned potatoes also work well if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?
You can infuse your cream with garlic or add herbs like thyme or sage. Using high-quality parmesan cheese will also significantly elevate the dish!
Can I prepare Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish stores wonderfully and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage tips above for best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this comforting dish that adds warmth and richness to any gathering. These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends at your next meal. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!
Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warm comfort of Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, a delightful side dish that is sure to impress at any gathering. This creamy, cheesy potato bake features layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, infused with aromatic herbs and rich flavors. Ideal for Thanksgiving or cozy family dinners, this dish combines simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. With its golden brown top and irresistible cheese crust, each bite promises a blend of comforting textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare in advance, these scalloped potatoes are the perfect addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic base until warmed and aromatic.
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline and arrange them in the prepared dish.
- Pour the infused cream mixture over the potatoes and cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
