Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than these creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home, especially around the holidays. The combination of rich, cheesy goodness and tender potatoes creates a comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this dish stand out is not just its mouthwatering flavor but also how easy it is to prepare! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this culinary delight without stress. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich infusion of garlic and herbs makes each bite a delightful experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday entertaining.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the potatoes ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making mealtime a breeze!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will rave about this creamy side dish; it pairs well with virtually any main course.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to switch things up with different herbs or cheeses based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are made with wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this mouthwatering dish!

For the Scalloped Potatoes

• Yukon Gold potatoes (or red-skinned potatoes)
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh rosemary (or substitute with thyme or fresh sage)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base (or substitute with Sautéed Onion Base or Roasted Turkey Base)
• Grated parmesan cheese

Optional Add-Ons

• Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to let your creativity shine! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Herbs: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, go for fresh thyme or sage for a lovely twist.
• Add Veggies: Layer in some thinly sliced zucchini or mushrooms between the potato layers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone cheese into the cream mixture for an extra touch of richness.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your scalloped potatoes cook evenly throughout. While it heats up, you can prep your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your favorite baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese into it. This creates a lovely crust on the bottom that adds texture and flavor!

Step 3: Infuse the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base over low heat. Stir until everything melts together beautifully—this step is key as it infuses all those delicious flavors into the cream.

Step 4: Slice Those Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer (or just a sharp knife), slice your potatoes very thinly—about ⅛” thick. Gather those slices into loose stacks and transfer them to your prepared baking dish in a diagonal pattern. This shingled arrangement not only looks great but ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Pour Over Cream Mixture

Carefully pour your infused cream mixture over the neatly arranged potato stacks in the baking dish. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil to keep all that moisture in while they bake!

Step 6: Bake & Broil

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes before uncovering and baking for another 20 minutes. Watch as they bubble away! If you fancy some extra color on top, broil for about 4 minutes until golden brown.

And there you have it! A delightful serving of Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes that will become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy sharing this comforting side dish with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

These parmesan scalloped potatoes are sure to impress, and with a few extra tips, you can make them even better!

• Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold maintain their shape well and create a creamy texture, making them ideal for this dish.

• Slice uniformly: Using a mandoline slicer ensures all your potato slices are the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly and guarantees that every bite is deliciously creamy.

• Infuse flavors well: Allowing the cream mixture to heat gently with the herbs and garlic base enhances the flavor profile. This step ensures that the cream absorbs all those wonderful aromas before it envelops the potatoes.

• Avoid overcrowding: When layering the potato slices in the baking dish, make sure they fit snugly but aren’t overlapping too much. This promotes even cooking and allows for that delightful crispness on top.

• Don’t skip the broil: A quick broil at the end gives your scalloped potatoes that irresistible golden crust. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Serving parmesan scalloped potatoes is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley or chives: A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a pop of color and freshness, elevating both flavor and appearance.
• Extra grated parmesan: Adding a light dusting of freshly grated parmesan just before serving can give a cheesy finish that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These crispy vegetables bring a delightful crunch and a slightly bitter contrast that balances the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Green bean almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with toasted almonds provide a light and nutty flavor, complementing the creamy potatoes perfectly.
• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with maple syrup offer a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes.
• Simple mixed greens salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the scalloped potatoes, adding brightness to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving table will be beautifully adorned with deliciousness! Enjoy each creamy bite of these parmesan scalloped potatoes alongside your favorite sides. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, they store well, making them an excellent choice for busy weekdays or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

• Ensure the potatoes are fully cooled before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of heating.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes that will help you get started!

Can I use different types of cheese in Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.

What makes Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes creamy?

The cream mixture infused with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese creates that rich and creamy texture. The slow cooking process helps absorb all those delicious flavors!

How can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes healthier?

To lighten up this dish, consider using low-fat milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This way, you can still enjoy the creaminess without all the calories.

Can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these scalloped potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. They reheat beautifully and are perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! They’re more than just a side dish; they’re comfort food that brings everyone together around the table. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it with herbs or cheeses that you love. Happy cooking!