This garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for any family dinner or special occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, savory cheeses, and tender potatoes creates a rich and flavorful experience that will leave everyone coming back for more.
One ingredient you may not commonly have in your pantry is chicken bullion powder. This adds an extra depth of flavor to the creamy sauce. If you don't have it on hand, you can find it in the soup or broth section of your supermarket. Fresh chives can also be found in the produce section, adding a fresh, aromatic garnish to your dish.
Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the base of the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory flavor.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk: The main liquid component that creates the creamy sauce.
Chicken bullion powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth.
Yukon gold potatoes: The star ingredient, providing a tender and flavorful base.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce for a creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish.
Fresh chives: A fresh, aromatic garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
One reader, Laurene Pringle says:
This garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The creamy, cheesy layers are perfectly seasoned, and the garlic adds a delightful kick. It's a comforting and delicious side dish that everyone loved. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
How to sauté garlic: Sautéing garlic involves cooking it in a pan with butter or oil over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, usually for about 1 minute. How to whisk in flour: Whisking in flour means gradually adding flour to a liquid or melted butter while continuously stirring to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth mixture. How to make a roux: Making a roux involves cooking flour and fat (butter in this case) together until they form a paste, which is used to thicken sauces. How to gradually add milk: Gradually adding milk means pouring a small amount of milk into the roux while continuously whisking to combine, repeating this process until all the milk is incorporated and the sauce is smooth. How to bring to a boil: Bringing to a boil means heating the mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble vigorously. How to arrange potato slices: Arranging potato slices involves layering them evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture. How to cover with aluminum foil: Covering with aluminum foil means placing a sheet of foil over the baking dish and sealing it tightly around the edges to trap steam and heat. How to garnish with chives: Garnishing with chives involves sprinkling finely chopped fresh chives over the finished dish for added flavor and presentation.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge yourself with a warm plate of scalloped potatoes for dinner tonight! It’s loaded with savory flavors of garlic and cheesy parmesan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspbutter
- 1tbspgarlic,or 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4tbspall-purpose flour,or plain flour
- 4cupsmilk,skim, 2% or full fat, more as needed
- 1tspchicken bullion powder,or Kosher salt
- salt,to taste
- ½tspblack pepper
- 2½lbsYukon Gold potatoes,or Russets, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch to ¼-inch rounds
- 2cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded
- ¾cupParmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 1tbspfresh chives,divided
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F | 200 degrees C.
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Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray. Set aside.
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Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan or pot.
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Add the garlic, then sauté for 1 minute until just fragrant.
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Whisk in the flour, then continue to cook while whisking or stirring for at least 2 minutes.
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Reduce the heat down to low, then gradually whisk in 4 cups of the milk, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking between each addition to combine.
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Bring to a boil until the sauce begins to thicken.
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Stir in the bullion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
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Arrange a layer of potatoes over the base of the prepared dish.
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Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then top evenly with half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
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Arrange the remaining potato slices over the cheese, creamy sauce and cheeses.
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil, then bake for 40 minutes until the potatoes are just tender.
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Remove the foil, then cook for a further 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
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Garnish with chives, serve warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a crispier top, broil or grill on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is crispy before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 683.83kcal
- Fat: 39.42g
- Saturated Fat: 24.51g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.51g
- Carbohydrates: 48.19g
- Fiber: 4.40g
- Sugar: 10.76g
- Protein: 35.14g
- Cholesterol: 126.72mg
- Sodium: 1102.73mg
- Calcium: 931.97mg
- Potassium: 1111.63mg
- Iron: 2.15mg
- Vitamin A: 350.06µg
- Vitamin C: 37.97mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
When making the cream sauce, ensure to whisk the flour and butter mixture continuously to avoid lumps. Gradually adding the milk in small increments while whisking helps create a smooth and velvety texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Scalloped Potatoes
Pre-slice the potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the potatoes.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan to cut down on prep time.
Microwave the sauce: Speed up the sauce-making process by using a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter and whisk in the flour and milk.
Assemble in advance: Prepare the dish the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it the next day.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative and has a similar fat content.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor; use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent; use half the amount of cornstarch as flour.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative and has a similar consistency.
chicken bullion powder - Substitute with vegetable bullion powder: Vegetable bullion powder can provide a similar umami flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level and can be used in the same quantity.
yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and can be used interchangeably in scalloped potatoes.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and provides a rich flavor similar to mozzarella.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor, making it a good substitute.
fresh chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Presentation Tips for Serving Scalloped Potatoes
Serve individual portions: Use small, elegant ramekins to bake and serve the garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes. This not only ensures even cooking but also adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Layer with precision: Arrange the potato slices in a meticulous, overlapping pattern to create a visually appealing, spiral effect. This attention to detail will impress culinary professionals.
Top with a cheese crisp: Create a thin parmesan cheese crisp by baking grated parmesan on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden and crispy. Place the crisp on top of each portion for added texture and elegance.
Garnish with finesse: Finely chop the fresh chives and sprinkle them delicately over the top of each serving. Add a small sprig of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an aromatic touch.
Drizzle with infused oil: Lightly drizzle a few drops of garlic-infused olive oil over the top of the dish just before serving. This enhances the garlic flavor and adds a glossy finish.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve the dish on a dark-colored plate to make the golden potatoes and cheese stand out. The contrast will make the dish visually striking.
Add a side of microgreens: Place a small mound of fresh microgreens, such as arugula or watercress, next to the scalloped potatoes. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, peppery flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Finish with a touch of sea salt: Just before serving, sprinkle a few flakes of high-quality sea salt, such as Maldon, over the top. This adds a subtle crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Scalloped Potatoes
Oven: Used for baking the scalloped potatoes at the required temperature to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden, bubbly top.
9 x 13-inch baking pan: The dish where the potatoes and sauce are layered and baked.
Cooking oil spray: Used to lightly grease the baking pan to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Medium-sized pan or pot: For melting the butter, sautéing the garlic, and preparing the cream sauce.
Whisk: Essential for combining the flour and milk smoothly into the butter and garlic mixture to create the sauce.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish during the initial baking period to ensure the potatoes cook through without drying out.
Knife: For slicing the Yukon gold potatoes into even pieces.
Cutting board: A surface for safely slicing the potatoes.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like garlic, flour, and seasonings.
Measuring cups: For measuring the milk and cheese quantities accurately.
Mixing spoon: For stirring the sauce and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Serving spoon: For serving the finished scalloped potatoes.
Chopping knife: For finely chopping the fresh chives used as garnish.
How To Store and Freeze Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Let the scalloped potatoes cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the potatoes soggy.
For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled scalloped potatoes in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the container or dish with the date and contents. Frozen scalloped potatoes will maintain their best quality for up to 2 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, on high power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
If the reheated scalloped potatoes seem dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help restore some moisture. Give them a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce evenly.
For best results, consume the reheated potatoes within 2 days. Avoid freezing and reheating multiple times, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the potatoes from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier top layer, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You can also sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top before removing the foil for an extra cheesy and golden crust.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the potatoes halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a large portion of leftover scalloped potatoes, you can reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the potatoes and stir occasionally until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover scalloped potatoes into a delicious breakfast dish. Fry an egg and serve it over a portion of reheated scalloped potatoes. The runny yolk will add a rich and creamy texture to the already flavorful potatoes.
Random Fact about Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
A random fact about this garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is that Yukon Gold potatoes are often preferred for scalloped potato dishes due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during baking.
Is Making Scalloped Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of butter, garlic, and milk further enhances the flavor without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-20 USD.
Are Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the generous use of butter, cheese, and milk. The all-purpose flour used as a thickener also adds refined carbohydrates to the mix. However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as garlic, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and potatoes, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like reduced-fat milk and cheese
- Replace some of the potatoes with nutrient-dense vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to increase the fiber and vitamin content
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add more fiber and nutrients
- Experiment with plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, to reduce the dairy content
- Increase the amount of garlic and add other herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme to boost flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Thoughts on This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. The combination of garlic and parmesan elevates the creamy sauce, adding depth and richness. Yukon gold potatoes provide a buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella and parmesan layers. The use of chicken bouillon powder enhances the savory notes, while fresh chives add a touch of freshness. Baking the dish until golden and bubbly ensures a satisfying, crispy top. Overall, this recipe is a well-balanced, flavorful side dish that would complement any main course beautifully.
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Why trust this Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe:
This garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender Yukon gold potatoes. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture, while the fresh chives provide a burst of color and flavor. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare. Trust this recipe to deliver a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
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