Scalloped Potatoes Supreme

Description of this Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes Supreme elevates the classic comfort food to a gourmet experience. Imagine layers of thinly sliced, tender Yukon Gold potatoes enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures, from the soft, yielding potatoes to the perfectly browned, bubbly cheese crust. This isn’t just scalloped potatoes; it’s a culinary masterpiece designed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that’s both elegant and approachable. You’ll love the creamy, decadent sauce that clings to each potato slice, the golden-brown, cheesy top that provides a satisfying crunch, and the overall simplicity of the preparation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. The “Supreme” element comes from the enriched sauce and the careful layering technique, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes, also known as potatoes au gratin, have been a staple on dinner tables for generations. The dish’s appeal lies in its simplicity and comforting nature, yet there’s ample room for innovation and refinement. This “Supreme” version focuses on elevating the sauce’s richness and ensuring the potatoes are cooked to perfection. We’ll use a blend of heavy cream and whole milk to achieve the ideal creamy consistency, complemented by sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a complex, savory flavor profile. Soaking the potato slices beforehand removes excess starch, preventing the sauce from becoming gluey and ensuring the potatoes cook evenly. This recipe is a testament to the fact that even the most familiar dishes can be transformed into something truly special with a few thoughtful tweaks.

Ingredients:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided: 1 for greasing, 2 for sautéing)

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Prep:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 2: Peel the potatoes and slice them into uniform, ⅛-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for consistent thickness. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration and remove excess starch. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes.

Step 3: Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and grate the Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing a watery sauce.

Step 5: Measure out all the remaining ingredients and have them ready to go. Mise en place makes the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

COOK Rating:

• Ease of Preparation: Medium
• Flavor: Exceptional
• Visual Appeal: High
• Overall: 5/5 Stars

Serving Suggestions:

Scalloped Potatoes Supreme pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Consider serving it alongside:

• Roasted chicken or turkey: The creamy potatoes complement the savory poultry perfectly.
• Grilled steak or pork chops: The richness of the potatoes balances the smoky flavors of the grilled meat.
• Baked ham: A classic pairing for holiday meals.
• Vegetarian options: Serve with a hearty lentil loaf or roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• A simple green salad: Provides a refreshing contrast to the rich potatoes.

Tips:

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to be starchier.
• A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform potato slices. If you don’t have one, use a sharp knife and take your time to ensure even slices.
• Soaking the potato slices in cold water is crucial for removing excess starch and preventing the sauce from becoming gluey.
• Don’t skip the step of patting the potatoes dry after soaking. Excess moisture will dilute the sauce and prevent the potatoes from browning properly.
• For an even richer flavor, use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Fontina, or even a touch of blue cheese would be delicious additions.
• If the top of the potatoes starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Let the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutrition Information: (Per Serving, estimated)

Calories: 450

Protein: 15g

Sodium: 500mg

Conclusion

Scalloped Potatoes Supreme is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the tender potatoes and golden-brown crust, every element is carefully crafted to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to elevate your scalloped potato game to the “Supreme” level. Enjoy!

Write 5 questions and answers about this recipe.

Question 1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary to ensure the potatoes are heated through.

Question 2: Can I use different types of cheese?

Answer: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Gruyere, Fontina, or even a touch of blue cheese would be delicious additions. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well and complement each other in flavor.

Question 3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Answer: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the scalloped potatoes. Some great options include thinly sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding them to the sauce.

Question 4: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Answer: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with a combination of half-and-half and butter. For every 1 cup of heavy cream, use ¾ cup of half-and-half and ¼ cup of melted butter. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Question 5: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the dish?

Answer: To prevent the potatoes from sticking, make sure to grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter before assembling the dish. You can also sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs on the bottom of the dish for added protection.