Here’s a recipe for the best scalloped potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add the grated cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping each other. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and sauce, finishing with a layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade scalloped potatoes!
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sliced mushrooms between the layers of potatoes for extra flavor.