Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups whole milk, room temperature
1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
* Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
* Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering potato and then onion.
* In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened.
* Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
* Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
* For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked. Broil until golden brown.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
#recipeideas #thanksgiving #scallopedpotatoes #recipes #thanksgivingrecipeideas
Scalloped potatoes are a beloved comfort food known for their creamy texture and rich flavors, making them an excellent side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving or special family dinners. The key to a perfect scalloped potato dish lies in the layering of thinly sliced potatoes and onions, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully during baking. Using russet potatoes works best here due to their starchy nature, which helps absorb the flavorful cheese sauce. The cheese sauce in this recipe is a classic béchamel with a twist: grated mild cheddar cheese is stirred in to create a velvety, cheesy coating for the potatoes. Ensuring the milk is at room temperature before adding it to the roux (butter and flour mixture) helps prevent lumps and yields a smoother texture. To enhance the crispiness of the casserole's top, broiling the dish for a few minutes after baking encourages browning and adds a delightful contrast to the tender potatoes underneath. Seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is recommended to balance the richness of the cheese and butter. For those looking to customize, adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can infuse the dish with additional aroma, while a sprinkle of paprika or nutmeg in the sauce offers subtle warmth. If desired, substituting half-and-half or heavy cream for milk can make the sauce even richer. Leftovers of scalloped potatoes reheat well and make a savory breakfast side or accompaniment to grilled meats. Whether served at a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, scalloped potatoes remain a timeless favorite that brings comfort and joy to the table.
