There are many ways to cook scalloped potatoes. There are also many different scalloped potatoes recipes available online which will allow you to experiment with different spices and other additions. Scalloped potatoes have one central key that is critical to the dish’s title. The key being that the potatoes have to be thinly sliced. Scalloped potatoes are usually cooked in a casserole dish or fine piece of oven stoneware.
Since potatoes are such a flexible food you can add pretty much anything to them in the way of meats, other vegetables, cheeses or spices. One of the most popular ways to cook this dish is to use scalloped potatoes recipes where cheese and bacon pieces are sandwiched in between the layers of potatoes. After you lay down that first layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased dish you can then start adding your spices and additions as that middle part. For instance you can give the bottom layer a healthy dose of fresh pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and some grated cheese of different varieties. If you have some sliced bacon you can cook it up before hand and place various pieces in as part of this mix. Bacon has the tendency to bring out significant flavour to any dish so with scalloped potatoes you have the chance to make the dish a hit at the dinner table. Most scalloped potatoes recipes are a three layer mix. This means you should ensure enough potatoes are sliced and you have enough of the mix to complete the dish. Some people will add an additional layer of mix on top of the third layer of potatoes. If you are for instance using the mixture previously noted, this actually will give the scalloped potatoes a very nice crust and add an almost lasagna like texture making the potatoes a meal in itself! Most people though prefer these to be a side dish to a main course meat like steak or chicken.
Another easy way to create a substantial mixture for scalloped potatoes is to use a couple of soup cans. Many scalloped potatoes recipes will make specific recommendations for soups like tomato or cream of mushroom. Soups like these which are thick in substance but rich in flavour will cover the potatoes thoroughly in order to ensure even transportation of flavours throughout the dish.
As far as spices go, pepper and salt should not be the only things used. If you scan any scalloped potatoes recipes you will see different spices used. Even a spice blend that might be meant for something like meats can add some great heat to an already heart-warming dish. For example, a steak spice can be sprinkled liberally into some scalloped potatoes recipes in order to add a nice sharp bite.
Most people who may not enjoy the texture of mashed potatoes are also note likely fans of this classic dish. These same people may enjoy potatoes in french fried or hash brown form. A suggestion would be to take the thinly sliced potatoes and braise them in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes. Then add them to the scalloped potatoes dish. Do not cook them through all the way in the pan. By doing this you will have given the potatoes a texture potentially more likeable to the pickier eater.
Тhe Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is as follows:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups milk, and
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
As a variation, you can add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the sauce and mix to melt. Sprinkle bread crumbs on the top of the potato mixture before baking, then bake as above.
Another variation of Scalloped Potatoes Recipe:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes, about 6 to 8 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1/8 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups scalded of milk
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup shredded of Cheddar cheese
Preparation:
In a buttered 2-quart baking dish, place a layer of about 1/3 of the potatoes. In a cup or small bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. Sprinkle about half of the flour mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the flour mixture and top with remaining potato slices. Dot with butter then pour hot milk over potatoes. Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until scalloped potatoes are tender and cheese has melted. Scalloped potatoes serves 6 to 8.