Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

A creamy side dish like Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes is a must-have for any Thanksgiving table. This recipe stands out thanks to its rich flavors and the comforting texture of thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and herbs. It’s perfect for gatherings, elevating your meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or enjoying a cozy dinner, these scalloped potatoes will impress your guests and warm their hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and parmesan cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip this dish up in no time.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or casual family meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes; it’s a guaranteed hit!
• Beautiful Presentation: The layered appearance makes it visually stunning on your table.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help you create the perfect Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mandoline slicer
• Baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Mandoline slicer: Ensures even, thin slices of potatoes for consistent cooking and presentation.
• Baking dish: A good quality dish helps in even heat distribution, enhancing the final texture.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating the cream mixture without burning, ensuring a smooth blend.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• Yukon Gold potatoes
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base

For the Cheese Mixture

• Grated parmesan cheese

Optional Add-Ons

• Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F degrees.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese over the bottom.

Step 3: Heat the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat:
1. Combine heavy cream, butter, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base.
2. Stir until the butter melts and steam appears (about 5 minutes).
3. Mix in all but 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice each Yukon Gold potato to about ⅛” thick. Gather the slices into loose stacks.

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes

Transfer the potato slices to the prepared baking dish at a diagonal. Continue layering until all slices fit snugly without overlapping too much.

Step 6: Pour Cream Over Potatoes

Pour the infused cream mixture evenly over all potato layers. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Baking

Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cream thickens around edges. Broil for about 4 minutes if needed to achieve a golden top.

Now you have delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ready to impress! Enjoy this delightful addition to your holiday meal or any occasion that calls for comfort food at its finest.

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, particularly during festive occasions. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them versatile for various serving suggestions.

Pair with a Protein

• Roasted Chicken: The savory notes of roasted chicken complement the creamy potatoes beautifully.
• Grilled Steak: A juicy steak adds a hearty contrast to the softness of scalloped potatoes.

Create a Vegetarian Plate

• Sautéed Greens: Pair these potatoes with sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritious balance.
• Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers offer a vibrant and flavorful contrast.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp texture that pairs well with creamy dishes.
• Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette: Light and refreshing, this salad helps cut through the richness.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can elevate the dish’s presentation and add freshness.
• Grated Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors remarkably.

How to Perfect Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

To achieve the best results with your parmesan scalloped potatoes, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Waxy Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape better when baked, ensuring perfect slices.
• Infuse the Cream: Letting the cream mixture steep with herbs enhances flavor depth significantly.
• Don’t Overlap Potato Slices: Arrange thin slices without much overlap for even cooking and creamy texture throughout.
• Cover Tightly While Baking: This traps steam, resulting in tender potatoes rather than dry ones.
• Broil for Crispiness: A quick broil at the end adds a delightful golden-brown crust on top.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Here’s a list of great accompaniments:

1. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots balance out the richness of the potatoes.
2. Green Bean Almondine: Crunchy green beans topped with almonds add texture and flavor contrast.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts provide an earthy note that complements creamy dishes well.
4. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies drizzled in balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and acidity.
5. Cornbread Muffins: These soft muffins are perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce on your plate.
6. Garlic Breadsticks: Chewy breadsticks flavored with garlic enhance the meal’s comfort factor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan scalloped potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Herb Infusion: Not infusing the cream with herbs can lead to bland flavors. Always take time to heat the cream with fresh herbs for a richer taste.
• Using Thick Potato Slices: Cutting potatoes too thick will result in uneven cooking. Aim for about ⅛” thickness for perfect texture.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Forgetting to grease the dish can cause sticking and messy servings. Always butter your baking dish before adding potatoes.
• Omitting the Foil Cover: Baking without foil may lead to drying out the dish. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil during the first baking phase.
• Not Letting It Rest: Serving immediately can make the layers fall apart. Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking helps set everything nicely.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Parmesan scalloped potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

• You can freeze these potatoes if stored properly.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Parmesan scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking.

What type of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes?

Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my Parmesan scalloped potatoes are creamy?

Infusing your cream with herbs and using plenty of cheese creates a rich, creamy texture.

Can I customize my Parmesan scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses or herbs based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan scalloped potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. Their creamy texture and cheesy flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste!