Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that steals the spotlight, these Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are just the ticket! This creamy, cheesy goodness brings warmth and comfort to any meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone gathered around, eager to dig in. It’s no wonder these potatoes have become a staple in our home!

What makes this recipe truly special is the infusion of fresh herbs and loads of parmesan cheese, which elevates the classic scalloped potatoes to something extraordinary. Plus, they look stunning when served, making them perfect for impressing your guests during holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream, cheese, and herbs creates a rich flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish. Gather these items to make your own delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes:

For the Creamy Mixture

• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or red-skinned potatoes)
• 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping)

Variations

One of the best things about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes is their versatility! Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:

• Swap the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Change up the herbs: Try using fresh sage instead of rosemary for a unique twist.
• Mix in veggies: Add thinly sliced onions or spinach between potato layers for added nutrition.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial because you want your potatoes to cook evenly and thoroughly once they hit that warm environment.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese over it. This will help create a lovely golden crust on the bottom as it bakes!

Step 3: Infuse the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base until everything is melted and fragrant. This infusion process adds depth and richness to the dish—trust me; it’s worth taking that extra moment!

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice your Yukon Gold potatoes to about ⅛” thick. Gathering them into loose stacks helps you create that beautiful fanned-out presentation in your baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Layer those lovely potato slices into your prepared baking dish at a diagonal. Continue fitting them in without too much overlap; this allows for even cooking and creamy goodness all around.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Creamy

Pour that luscious infused cream mixture over your layered potatoes. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until everything is cooked through and bubbling—don’t forget to broil it for about 4 minutes if you want that gorgeous golden top!

And there you have it—your very own batch of creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes! Enjoy every bite as they become an instant favorite at your table.

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Creating a perfect batch of parmesan scalloped potatoes can be a breeze with just a few helpful hints!

• Use a mandoline slicer: This tool allows you to slice your potatoes evenly and thinly, which ensures they cook uniformly and absorb the creamy goodness of the infused mixture.
• Infuse the cream properly: Heating the cream with butter and herbs before pouring it over the potatoes enhances flavor, allowing all those aromatic notes to meld together beautifully.
• Don’t rush the baking: Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking traps steam, ensuring that the potatoes become tender before browning. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
• Broil for a crispy top: If you want that irresistible golden crust on top, don’t skip the broiling step at the end. Just keep an eye on it—broiling can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps set up the layers and makes serving easier while keeping everything deliciously creamy.

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Parmesan scalloped potatoes are not just tasty; they make a stunning centerpiece on your holiday table! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting side dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a hint of freshness that balances out the rich flavors.
• Chives: Thinly sliced chives provide a subtle onion flavor and add a lovely contrast against the creamy background.
• Additional parmesan: Grating extra parmesan on top right before serving gives an indulgent touch and invites guests to dig in!

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully with creamy scalloped potatoes, providing a nice contrast in taste and texture.
• Green bean almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds bring crunch and brightness to your plate, complementing the richness of the potatoes beautifully.
• Herb-roasted carrots: Sweet, tender carrots seasoned with fresh herbs create a delightful harmony alongside scalloped potatoes, adding both color and nutrition.
• Simple mixed greens salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette refreshes your palate amid all that creaminess, making it an ideal pairing for this comforting dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes will surely be a hit at any gathering! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. You can prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze, do so before baking.
• Wrap the unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• To reheat refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Simply assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What type of cheese can I use instead of parmesan in Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

If you don’t have parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that will still deliver wonderful flavor.

How do I ensure my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are creamy?

Infusing cream with herbs and using plenty of cheese adds richness. Ensure your potatoes are thinly sliced so they cook evenly and absorb all those lovely flavors!

Can I substitute other herbs in Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to use thyme or fresh sage if rosemary isn’t your favorite. They’ll add their own unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these rich and creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes as much as I do! This dish not only elevates any meal but also brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, I’m certain they’ll be a hit! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations!