Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

A creamy side dish like Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes can elevate any meal, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or special occasions. This dish stands out with its rich flavors, enhanced by fresh herbs and generous amounts of parmesan cheese. Perfect for celebrating holidays or family dinners, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress your guests with their deliciously cheesy layers and comforting texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious side dish without stress.
• Flavorful Layers: Infusing the cream with fresh herbs and garlic adds depth, making each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from Thanksgiving to casual weeknight dinners, it pairs well with many main courses.
• Impressive Presentation: The carefully layered potatoes offer a beautiful visual appeal that enhances your table setting.
• Customizable Ingredients: With simple substitutions available, you can easily tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here are the essential items you’ll need to create these delicious parmesan scalloped potatoes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mandoline slicer: This tool allows for uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating the cream mixture evenly without burning.
• Baking dish: A sturdy dish is essential for layering and baking the potatoes perfectly.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish tightly during baking to trap moisture and promote cooking.

Ingredients

For the Cream Mixture

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base

For the Potatoes

• Yukon Gold potatoes

For Topping

• 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 (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you place in your dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

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

Step 3: Heat the Cream Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base.
2. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture is heated through—about 5 minutes. You should see a few wisps of steam but not boiling.
3. Stir in all but 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

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

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes

Transfer potato slices into your prepared baking dish at a diagonal. Continue layering with remaining slices in a fanned pattern without overlapping too much.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the infused cream mixture over the layered potatoes evenly.
2. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Finish Baking and Broil If Needed

1. After 45 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 20 minutes until potatoes are cooked through and cream thickens around edges.
2. Optionally broil for about 4 minutes if you desire a golden brown top.

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes dish that is sure to please everyone at your table! Enjoy!

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes make a delightful side dish that pairs well with a variety of entrees. Their creamy texture and rich flavor enhance any meal, making them a versatile choice for gatherings or family dinners.

Pair with Roasted Chicken

• Serve with juicy roasted chicken for a classic combination that complements the richness of the potatoes.

Accompany Grilled Steak

• The savory taste of grilled steak pairs beautifully with the creamy layers of parmesan scalloped potatoes, creating a satisfying meal.

Side with Herb-Crusted Lamb

• Herb-crusted lamb brings out the flavors in the scalloped potatoes, offering a delicious contrast in textures and tastes.

Add a Fresh Salad

• A light green salad on the side adds freshness and balances the creaminess of the dish, making for a well-rounded dinner plate.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Finish your serving with chopped parsley or chives for an added touch of color and flavor that brightens up the dish.

How to Perfect Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

To achieve perfectly creamy and flavorful parmesan scalloped potatoes, follow these essential tips:

• Use Waxy Potatoes: Choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes for their creaminess and ability to hold their shape during cooking.

• Slice Evenly: Utilize a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and perfect layering throughout the dish.

• Infuse Flavor: Heat your cream mixture gently to infuse flavors from herbs and garlic before adding it to the potatoes, enhancing the overall taste.

• Cover While Baking: Covering your baking dish tightly with foil traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes thoroughly before browning them at the end.

• Broil for Crispiness: For a golden top, broil briefly after baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Green Beans
   Sauté green beans with garlic and olive oil for a vibrant side that adds crunch and flavor.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, balancing the richness of scalloped potatoes.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with creamy dishes like parmesan scalloped potatoes.

4. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet honey-glazed carrots offer a delightful contrast in flavor while adding color to your plate.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or vegetables create a hearty complement to your potato dish.

6. Baked Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned baked asparagus is an elegant addition that enhances both taste and presentation.

7. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies provides protein and fiber, making it an excellent healthy side option.

8. Creamed Spinach
   Rich creamed spinach adds both creaminess and greens to your meal, harmonizing well with parmesan scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the cream infusion: Not infusing the cream with herbs and garlic can lead to bland potatoes. Always heat the cream with flavor boosters for a richer taste.
• Overlapping potato slices: If you stack the potato slices too closely, they won’t cook evenly. Aim for a fanned-out presentation to ensure proper cooking.
• Not covering while baking: Failing to cover the baking dish with foil during the initial baking can cause the cream to evaporate too quickly. Cover it tightly for moist potatoes.
• Using cold ingredients: If your butter or cream is cold, it won’t blend well. Always let these ingredients come close to room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring doneness checks: Underestimating cooking time may leave the potatoes undercooked. Test with a fork to ensure they’re tender before broiling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

• Freeze in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover loosely with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Pecorino Romano cheese for parmesan if desired. It will add a unique flavor twist.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture. However, red-skinned potatoes can also be used as an alternative.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply skip any meat-based broth and use vegetable broth instead of Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base.

Can I prepare these scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Is there a gluten-free option?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes make for an irresistible side dish at any gathering. Their creamy texture combined with rich flavors makes them perfect for Thanksgiving or any family meal. Plus, you can customize them easily by adding herbs or different cheeses to suit your taste. Try this recipe and delight your guests!