Best Scalloped Potatoes

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Slice the Potatoes:
   • Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
3. Slice the Onion:
   • Thinly slice the onion and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Create the Roux:
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Add the Milk and Cream:
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
4. Add the Cheese:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the Sauce:
   • Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine. Remove the sauce from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Potatoes and Onions:
   • Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Arrange a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices. Top with a layer of sliced onions.
2. Add the Sauce:
   • Pour about 1/3 of the cream sauce over the potatoes and onions, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Repeat the Layers:
   • Continue to layer the potatoes, onions, and sauce until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
4. Top with Parmesan:
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

1. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking:
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Rest Before Serving:
   • Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Garnish the scalloped potatoes with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the scalloped potatoes hot as a side dish to your favorite main course, such as roasted chicken, ham, or steak.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure all potato slices are uniform in thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, Parmesan, or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy texture, you can replace some of the milk with more heavy cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Conclusion

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless dish that offers rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness in every bite. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of these best-ever scalloped potatoes, and watch them become a favorite at your table.