Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, these Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are just the ticket. They have been a cherished recipe in my family for years, making appearances at holiday gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. With layers of creamy potatoes infused with fresh herbs and plenty of parmesan cheese, each bite is a delightful experience. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a casual family meal, this dish never fails to impress. The beautiful presentation of shingled potatoes drizzled in rich cream makes it feel special while being simple enough for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just slice and layer! This recipe keeps things simple so you can enjoy the cooking process.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness of these potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and pop them in the oven when ready—perfect for busy days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and parmesan creates an unforgettable taste that elevates any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. You might already have many of them on hand!

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (for dusting)

For the Cream Mixture

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or substitute with thyme or sage)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or 2 1/2 teaspoons if omitting garlic base)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup reserved

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can try:

• Swap the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile without losing that cheesy goodness.
• Change up the potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes can add color and a hint of sweetness.
• Herb alternatives: If rosemary isn’t your thing, try thyme or fresh sage for a unique twist.
• Extra toppings: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for an added pop of freshness.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F degrees. This ensures that as soon as you’re ready to bake, your oven is hot and ready to go!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese inside. This little step helps create a lovely crust on the bottom while preventing sticking.

Step 3: Infuse Your Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture starts to smoke slightly—this brings out all those lovely flavors! Once melted, add in all but 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Slice Your Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer (be careful!), thinly slice each potato to about ⅛” thick. Gather these slices into loose stacks and place them diagonally in your prepared baking dish. This shingled pattern not only looks beautiful but also ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour that luscious cream mixture over the arranged potatoes. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After baking covered, uncover your dish and bake for another 20 minutes until cooked through. If you want an extra golden top, broil for about 4 minutes until it’s beautifully browned.

And there you have it! Your Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are ready to steal the show at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Making the perfect Parmesan scalloped potatoes is all about technique and a little bit of love. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delightful.

• Use a mandoline slicer: This tool helps you achieve perfectly uniform potato slices, which ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. No one likes lumpy scalloped potatoes!

• Infuse the cream properly: Heating the cream with herbs and garlic base not only adds depth of flavor but also enhances the overall richness of the dish. Take your time during this step for maximum taste!

• Layer thoughtfully: When stacking the potato slices, make sure they’re slightly fanned out without overlapping too much. This technique allows for better cream absorption and creates a lovely visual appeal.

• Don’t skip the broil: Broiling at the end gives your scalloped potatoes that irresistible golden-brown top that everyone will want to dig into. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

• Let it rest before serving: After removing from the oven, allow your dish to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Serving up your Parmesan scalloped potatoes can be just as fun as making them! Let’s explore some ideas that can take your dish from delicious to extraordinary.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley or chives: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy potatoes.
• Extra grated parmesan: A sprinkle of parmesan on top just before serving elevates both flavor and presentation, enticing everyone to dig in!

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slightly bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts complements the creamy scalloped potatoes beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Honey-glazed carrots: Sweet and slightly caramelized carrots provide a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the potatoes while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Green bean almondine: The crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds offer crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of scalloped potatoes perfectly.
• Quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette: A light quinoa salad packed with fresh vegetables adds texture and a zesty note that brightens up your Thanksgiving spread.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to impress family and friends with this sumptuous side dish! Enjoy every bite of those Parmesan scalloped potatoes; they are truly worth celebrating!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan scalloped potatoes are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings easier and more enjoyable. You can prepare them in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• For a crispy top, uncover during the last few minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Have questions about making these Parmesan scalloped potatoes? Here are some common queries that might help!

Can I use other types of cheese for my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Absolutely! While parmesan adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or any other cheese you enjoy. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly.

How can I make my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any flour or bread. Just ensure that your Better Than Bouillon base is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Using a mandoline slicer is ideal for achieving uniform thickness. Aim for about ⅛” thick slices to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.

Can I add vegetables to my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Definitely! Consider adding thinly sliced onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy preparing these delightful Parmesan scalloped potatoes! They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday table, bringing comfort and joy with every creamy bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them during a cozy night in, may this recipe bring warmth and happiness into your kitchen. Happy cooking!