Scalloped Potatoes is a very tasty dish made with sliced potatoes, milk, and cheese. It is baked in the oven and becomes creamy, soft, and full of flavor. Many people like to eat this dish with lunch or dinner. It is also a good dish to make when guests come over. You don’t need to buy expensive things to make it. You can make this dish with things that are already in your kitchen. This dish is good for kids and adults. It is soft, not spicy, and very creamy. Even if you don’t know much about cooking, you can make this dish easily by following the steps. In this post, we will talk about what scalloped potatoes are, what things you need to make them, how to cook them, and some tips to make them better.
What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are thin slices of potato cooked in milk or cream, with some cheese. The name “scalloped” means the way the potatoes are cut and placed in layers. This dish is baked in the oven until the potatoes become soft and the top turns a little brown. The inside stays creamy and cheesy. It is a warm and comforting food. Many people like to eat it during winter or the holidays. It is not spicy and goes well with other food like vegetables or meat. You can also eat it alone if you want something filling.
Ingredients You Need
Ingredients:
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6 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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2 tablespoons of butter
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2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
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2 cups of milk (any kind is okay)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup grated cheese (cheddar is best, but any cheese works)
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Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Making scalloped potatoes is not hard. You just have to follow the steps one by one and be patient. The oven will do most of the work. First, you cut the potatoes and onions. Then you make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Then you place everything in a baking dish and bake it.
Step-by-Step Directions
First, take all the potatoes and wash them well. Then peel them and cut them into thin round slices. Try to make all slices the same size so they cook evenly. After that, chop the onion into small pieces. Take a big pan and keep it on medium heat. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Once the butter melts, add flour and stir it fast so it mixes well. This will become a paste. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add milk while stirring, so that lumps don’t form. Keep stirring till the sauce becomes thick. This is your white sauce. Now add salt and pepper to this sauce.
Now, take a baking dish and rub some butter on it, or spray it with cooking spray, so that the potatoes don’t stick to it. First, place one layer of potato slices in the dish. Then add some chopped onion. Pour a little bit of white sauce on top. Then sprinkle some cheese. Now repeat this again – one more layer of potatoes, onion, sauce, and cheese. Keep doing this till all your ingredients are used. The top layer should have some extra cheese to make it golden and crispy.
Now cover the dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Let it cook for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and cook it for another 15 minutes till the top becomes golden. Once done, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the dish settle and become easier to cut.
Also Read: Homemade Lasagna Recipe in Simple Words for Everyone
Some Tips to Make It Better
Some small tips can make your scalloped potatoes even better. First, always try to use the same size of potato slices. If one slice is thick and the other is thin, they won’t cook properly. Use a sharp knife or slicer to cut them. Second, you can add garlic to the white sauce for extra taste. Just crush one garlic clove and cook it in butter before adding flour. Third, if you like more cheese, you can add extra on top. Fourth, if you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella or any local cheese. Fifth, for a crispy top, you can add a little bit of breadcrumbs on the top before baking. It will give a nice crunch.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftover scalloped potatoes, don’t worry. You can store them in the fridge. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or put the food in an airtight box. It will stay good for 2 to 3 days. When you want to eat again, just take it out and reheat it in the oven or microwave. If the top has become dry, you can add a little milk before heating to make it soft again.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes go well with many dishes. You can eat them with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or even just a simple salad. It is a filling food, so you don’t need to make many other items. Some people also enjoy it with soup. If you are a vegetarian, you can eat it with green peas or cooked carrots. It tastes good with almost everything.
People love scalloped potatoes because it is very simple and tasty. The creamy texture, soft potatoes, and cheesy flavor make it a favorite in many homes. You can make it with very few ingredients and it does not take much time. Even kids who don’t eat vegetables easily like this dish. It is warm, soft, and makes you feel happy when you eat it. That’s why it is often made on special days or holidays.