Tacky Scalloped Potatoes | What Molly Made

Tacky Scalloped Potatoes

I’d like to emphasise the phrase tacky on this recipe as a result of it isn’t missing in terms of cheese. We’re utilizing two completely different sorts of cheese and a cream base to create layers and layers of cheese. Potatoes absorb numerous moisture, particularly once they’re cooking low and sluggish, so I made positive so as to add additional cheese all through for the richest, tacky sauce.

This recipe takes a very long time to make (2 hour baking time) however isn’t overly tough in terms of method. We’re protecting the finest potatoes to make use of, the very best cheese to purchase, and the best way to bake and make it forward of time. We’ve additionally received step-by-step photographs and a video within the recipe card to make these tacky potatoes with me. We examined this recipe three separate instances to get it good, so I do know you and your loved ones will love every thing about it. It’s a basic facet dish for Sunday dinner or a vacation dinner (Thanksgiving or Christmas!).

Au Gratin Potatoes Vs. Scalloped Potatoes

Usually individuals use these two interchangeably as a result of they typically use the identical substances and have many similarities, nonetheless, there are just a few key variations in terms of the cooking technique and topping.

Au Gratin Potatoes: To make au gratin potatoes, you sprinkle it with breadcrumbs then bake it till golden brown. Au gratin potatoes are coated in a creamy sauce (comprised of a roux), then topped with breadcrumbs and baked.

Scalloped Potatoes: There’s no cheese in conventional scalloped potatoes. Starchy potatoes and an herb-infused cream create the creamy sauce. That’s why I’m emphasizing (once more) the cheese within the title of this recipe.

Ingredient Notes

Listed below are the important thing substances for these straightforward tacky scalloped potatoes and some notes about why we’re utilizing them. Soar right down to the recipe card for actual measurements.

• Potatoes: a starchy potato is obligatory for this recipe, so we advocate a russet potato (our favourite) or a Yukon gold. Skip to the subsequent part to be taught just a few variations between the 2.
• Butter: that is used to cook dinner the onions, however olive oil is an efficient second choice.
• White wine: this helps the onions to caramelize quicker and I like the delicate taste this provides to the dish. Omit this all collectively for those who don’t cook dinner with wine or don’t have it available. It might take longer for the onions to cook dinner down.
• Herbs and seasoning: recent thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Nutmeg is our secret ingredient for only a contact of taste to maintain individuals guessing. Nutmeg, potatoes, and cheese simply work nicely collectively.
• Onion: cook dinner these down till they caramelize and wait to be wowed by how a lot depth of taste it provides to this basic dish.
• Heavy cream and complete milk: for final richness.
• Cheese: this recipe calls for two kinds of cheese for taste and colour. We used gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese, however you possibly can additionally use a pointy white cheddar or add some parmesan cheese in there for a salty and sharp choice.

Greatest Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes

Starchy potatoes are twofold on this tacky scalloped potatoes recipe. The starch seeps into the sauce to thicken it, whereas the potatoes take up a few of the sauce so as to add taste. The 2 finest potato varieties for scalloped potatoes are russet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes. We examined this recipe with each and our favourite was the russet. The creamy sauce was richer and the potatoes are bigger and simpler to work with.

A be aware on peeling: Yukon gold potatoes have softer, delicate pores and skin, so go away them on, for those who desire, to chop down on prep time. Russet potatoes have to be peeled earlier than slicing them on this recipe.

Methods to Make Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

Listed below are the steps (with photographs!) to make these straightforward scalloped potatoes. Soar right down to the recipe card for the total recipe and a video to make them with me.

1. Caramelize the onions: Soften butter in a big inventory pot or dutch oven over medium warmth then add the thinly sliced 15-20 minutes, including a splash of wine as wanted to assist soften them.
2. Prep the potatoes: peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch – 1/8 inch slices utilizing a mandolin slice whereas the onions cook dinner down.
3. Par boil: When the onions are carried out, take away them from the pot and add the milk and cream and use a spoon or spatula to scrape any additional brown bits off the underside of the pan from the onions. Add the sliced potatoes with the salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg and convey them to a boil over excessive warmth, then scale back to medium warmth and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Layer 1: Add a little bit of the cream to the underside of the dish then layer 1/3 of the potatoes on high. Spoon 1/3 of the boiled milk over high then sprinkle with 3/4 cup of gruyere cheese and half of the caramelized onions.
5. Layer 2: repeat layer one with potatoes, milk combination, cheese, and caramelized onion.
6. Layer 3: end with the remaining potatoes and milk, saving the cheddar cheese for later.
7. Bake: Cowl with aluminum foil and bake for an hour and a half then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and bake for one more 30 minutes, till the cheese is golden and melty. Cool for no less than 20 minutes (ideally extra).

Slicing the Potatoes

Getting the slice proper is one other professional tip for the very best tacky scalloped potatoes. I extremely advocate utilizing a mandoline to get skinny, even slices. This helps the potatoes cook dinner evenly. You could slice the potatoes smaller than 1/4 of an inch to ensure the potatoes cook dinner till they’re tender. T

he potato slices in scalloped potatoes could be bigger in comparison with au gratin potatoes, however they need to nonetheless be someplace between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. You probably have a gradual eye and hand, you need to use a really sharp knife, however a mandoline is beneficial.

Professional tip: the thinner the potato slices, the shorter the cooking time. The entire cooking time for this recipe is 2 full hours, so reduce them thinner to hurry up the cooking course of a bit.

Skilled Ideas

• Use a block of cheese and shred it your self (could be carried out upfront). Pre-shredded cheese incorporates cellulose, which prevents the cheese from melting as nicely. Blocks of cheese are normally increased high quality and are typically extra flavorful. That is crucial ingredient, in any case, so don’t go skimp on the cheese.
• Slice the potatoes accurately (see notes above) in order that they cook dinner evenly and right through.
• Give your self loads of time. This recipe can’t be rushed in terms of cooking and cooling. You want a full 3 hours from begin to end. Don’t get in a rush and attempt to flip the oven temp as much as cook dinner it quicker or your cheese sauce will curdle.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Make-Forward and Storage Directions

Make forward: observe the directions by step 7 then cowl them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours. Permit them to sit down at room temperature for 45 minutes then observe the directions to bake them.

Storage: permit the potatoes to chill utterly then retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. I don’t advocate freezing this dish as a result of the cheese doesn’t freeze nicely.