Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving, look no further than these Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It beautifully combines layers of tender potatoes with a rich, herb-infused cream sauce that will make everyone go back for seconds!

What I love about Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes is their versatility. They are not just for Thanksgiving; they can elevate any family gathering or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you serve them alongside your holiday turkey or pair them with a simple salad on a busy night, these potatoes always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is sure to be a favorite among both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare most of this dish in advance, making your holiday cooking less stressful.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and parmesan cheese creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Beautiful presentation: Layering the potatoes gives this dish an elegant look that will impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Let’s gather everything we need for our Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes!

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Cream Mixture

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or chives

Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Swap the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Change up the potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes work beautifully too! Their color adds a nice touch.
• Herb alternatives: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try using fresh thyme or sage for a lovely twist.
• Add some crunch: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil before baking for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking right from the start!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle in about 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. This creates a delicious base layer and prevents sticking.

Step 3: Infuse the Cream

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, butter, herbs, salt, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base. Heat until melted with just a few wisps of smoke—about 5 minutes. Stir in all but 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese. This infusion brings incredible flavor to your potatoes!

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer (or knife if you prefer), thinly slice each potato to about ⅛” thick. Gather the slices into loose stacks and transfer them diagonally into your prepared baking dish. The layering technique allows for even cooking and makes for beautiful presentation!

Step 5: Assemble Everything

Pour your infused cream mixture over the arranged potatoes evenly. Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they are perfectly tender.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

After 45 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for another 20 minutes until cooked through and creamy around the edges. If you’d like that golden crust on top, broil it for about 4 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

And there you have it! A delicious batch of Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ready to be enjoyed by everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

These Parmesan scalloped potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more delicious!

• Use a mandoline for uniform slices: This kitchen tool ensures that your potato slices are all the same thickness, allowing for even cooking and perfect texture throughout.

• Infuse the cream with herbs: Heating the cream with fresh herbs like rosemary enhances the flavor of the dish, making each bite aromatic and rich. Don’t skip this step; it’s where the magic happens!

• Layer thoughtfully: When arranging your potato stacks, try to overlap them slightly to create beautiful layers. This not only looks appealing but also allows the creamy mixture to seep through every slice.

• Cover tightly while baking: Using greased aluminum foil helps trap steam in the baking dish, ensuring your potatoes cook evenly and stay moist throughout the first half of baking.

• Broil for a crispy top: If you love a golden-brown crust (who doesn’t?), finish off your dish under the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

These beautiful scalloped potatoes deserve to shine on your Thanksgiving table! With their creamy texture and cheesy flavor, they pair well with various dishes and garnishes.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These veggies add a touch of crunch and earthy flavors, contrasting nicely with the creamy potatoes.

• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet and caramelized, these carrots bring warmth and sweetness to your meal, balancing savory flavors perfectly.

• Green salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the scalloped potatoes, refreshing your palate.

• Stuffed acorn squash: This hearty side dish brings seasonal flavors to your table while being visually stunning alongside your potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Parmesan scalloped potatoes will not only be delicious but also an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or any family gathering. You can easily prepare them in advance, ensuring you have more time to enjoy with your loved ones on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes if you want a crispy top.

FAQs

Do you have questions about making these delicious Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes? Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different types of cheese in Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Absolutely! While parmesan cheese adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano cheese for a different taste profile that still complements the dish beautifully.

How do I make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare these scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed!

What kind of potatoes work best for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture when cooked. They hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables to my Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes?

Certainly! Feel free to include thinly sliced onions or leeks for added flavor. Just ensure they are sliced thinly so they cook evenly with the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes brings warmth and joy to your table this Thanksgiving! It’s a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, and I’m sure you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!