Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to impress your family and friends, let me introduce you to my beloved Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy delight is not just a comfort food; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering! With layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce, this dish brings warmth to your table and makes every meal feel special. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes will steal the show!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare while still being packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use fresh herbs and really showcase that beautiful parmesan cheese! Plus, it can easily be made ahead of time, meaning less stress when it’s time to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This dish comes together quickly, especially with the help of a mandoline slicer for those perfectly thin potato slices.
• Family-friendly appeal: Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes? This recipe is sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare this dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and lots of parmesan creates a rich taste that elevates the humble potato.
• Gorgeous presentation: Layering the potatoes in a fanned pattern makes for an impressive dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need for these mouthwatering Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes:

For the Potatoes

• Yukon Gold potatoes (or substitute with 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

For the Cheese Sauce

• Parmesan cheese (or substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese)

Optional Add-Ons

• Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes is how adaptable they are! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Change up the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in veggies: Layer in thin slices of zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary to find your favorite combo.
• Add protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or turkey between layers for a heartier dish.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your scalloped potatoes bake evenly and develop that lovely golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese at the bottom. This creates a delicious crust as the potatoes cook!

Step 3: Infuse the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base over low heat until melted. Stirring occasionally helps all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully. Add all but 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese into this mixture once it’s warmed through.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice each potato to about ⅛” thick. Gather the slices into loose stacks and transfer them diagonally into your prepared baking dish. This method not only looks lovely but allows even cooking!

Step 5: Assemble Everything

Pour that luscious cream mixture over your arranged potato stacks. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil—this traps steam and helps cook those potatoes perfectly!

Step 6: Bake Away!

Bake for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until everything is tender. If you want that beautiful golden top, broil for about 4 minutes at the end!

With these steps, you’ll have creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ready to wow your guests! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Making perfect parmesan scalloped potatoes is all about technique and a little love! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.

• Use a Mandoline for Uniform Slices: Thin, even slices of potatoes ensure that they cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer allows you to achieve the perfect thickness quickly and effortlessly.

• Infuse the Cream with Herbs: Heating the cream with fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also helps the herbs release their essential oils, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Layering is Key: When stacking your potato slices, make sure they are slightly overlapping but not too crowded. This allows for even cooking and prevents sogginess.

• Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: Broiling at the end gives your scalloped potatoes that beautiful golden-brown top. It adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy layers beneath!

• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps the creamy sauce thicken further and makes serving easier. Plus, it’s an excellent time for flavors to meld together!

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a centerpiece of comfort and warmth at any meal! Present them in an attractive dish and let their golden top shine through. Here’s how to enhance your serving experience:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds color and freshness, balancing out the richness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a subtle onion flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper not only looks appealing but also gives an extra hint of spice.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, these sprouts become crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, making a delightful contrast to your creamy potatoes.
• Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans sprinkled with toasted almonds add crunch and nutrition to your plate while providing a pop of color.
• Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots drizzled with balsamic glaze create a lovely balance of flavors alongside your rich scalloped potatoes.
• Simple Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the potatoes and bring brightness to your meal.

Now you’re all set to impress your guests this Thanksgiving with these scrumptious parmesan scalloped potatoes! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time, making your holiday dinner or weeknight meals a breeze. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the dish is completely cooled.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
• For a crispy top, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes if needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes:

Can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and bake them just before serving. They reheat beautifully!

What can I substitute if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano cheese as a substitute for parmesan cheese, which will give you a similar flavor profile.

How do I know when my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are done?

They are done when the potatoes are tender and the cream has thickened around the edges. A golden brown top is a great indicator too!

Are parmesan scalloped potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Infusing the cream with herbs like thyme or sage can elevate the flavor. You might also consider adding garlic powder or sautéed onions for extra depth!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! They’re not only delicious but also easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you more moments to cherish with family and friends during your gatherings. Remember, cooking is all about love and sharing good food. Enjoy every bite!