Indulge in the comfort and decadence of a classic French dish with this mouthwatering Scalloped Potato Gratin. This dish features tender Yukon gold potatoes enveloped in a creamy, rich cheese sauce, baked to a golden perfection.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to make a special trip for the Yukon Gold potatoes and the light butter. Yukon Golds are favored for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, which lends itself perfectly to a gratin. Light butter, which has less fat and calories than regular butter, can be found in the dairy section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients Needed for the Scalloped Potato Gratin
Yukon gold potatoes: Known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, these potatoes are perfect for this gratin.
Light butter: Offers the same rich flavor as regular butter but with fewer calories and fat.
Salt and fresh pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor without the strong punch of fresh garlic.
Cheddar: Gives the gratin its signature creamy, cheesy goodness.
Fat free milk: Helps to create a light yet creamy sauce for the gratin.
Bay leaf: Infuses the milk sauce with a subtle hint of herbal flavor.
Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warm, nutty flavor to the dish.
Thyme: Gives the gratin a slight lemony and minty flavor.
One reader, Dino Damron says:
This scalloped potato gratin recipe is a game-changer! The potatoes are perfectly tender and the cheesy, creamy sauce is divine. The flavors are so comforting and the dish is a hit every time I make it. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious side dish.
Techniques Required for Making Scalloped Potato Gratin
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking the scalloped potato gratin.
How to spray baking dish: Use olive oil spray to coat an 11x7-inch baking dish, ensuring the potatoes do not stick to the dish during baking.
How to combine potatoes with seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the Yukon gold potatoes with light butter, salt, garlic powder, and fresh cracked pepper, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
How to arrange potatoes in the baking dish: Arrange half of the seasoned potato slices in the prepared baking dish, then top with ¼ cup of cheddar cheese. Add the remaining potatoes on top of the first layer.
How to prepare the milk mixture: In a small saucepan, bring the fat-free milk, thyme, bay leaf, and nutmeg to a boil, ensuring the ingredients are well combined and the milk is heated through.
How to pour the milk mixture over the potatoes: Once the milk mixture is ready, pour it over the layered potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the potatoes evenly.
How to top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the potatoes before baking, ensuring an even distribution of cheese across the dish.
How to bake the scalloped potato gratin: Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown on top.
How To Make Scalloped Potato Gratin
This scalloped potato gratin is a great meal for dinner with your family made with thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes layered with cheese and creamy sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
- 6yukon gold potatoes,medium, peeled, sliced ⅛-inch thick, 2 pound 4 ounce peeled
- 2tbsplight butter,melted
- salt and fresh pepper,to taste
- ½tspgarlic powder
- 3ozCheddar,shredded reduced-fat, ¾ cup
- 1cupfat free milk
- 1bay leaf
- nutmeg,freshly grated
- 2tspthyme
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine potatoes, butter, salt, garlic powder, and fresh cracked pepper.
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Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish; top with ¼ cup cheese. Add the remaining potatoes.
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In a small saucepan, bring milk, thyme, bay leaf, and nutmeg to a boil; pour over potatoes.
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Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
- Calories: 265.03kcal
- Fat: 11.08g
- Saturated Fat: 4.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
- Carbohydrates: 34.51g
- Fiber: 4.27g
- Sugar: 3.18g
- Protein: 8.07g
- Cholesterol: 17.34mg
- Sodium: 557.56mg
- Calcium: 183.14mg
- Potassium: 853.43mg
- Iron: 1.69mg
- Vitamin A: 99.90µg
- Vitamin C: 36.73mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Scalloped Potato Gratin
When preparing your potatoes, ensure they are sliced uniformly. This not only ensures even cooking but also gives your scalloped potato gratin a more professional look. Using a mandolin slicer can help achieve this consistency. Additionally, to prevent your potatoes from browning while you're preparing the rest of the ingredients, keep them submerged in a bowl of cold water. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Scalloped Potato Gratin
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Invest in quality tools: High-quality knives and kitchen gadgets can make prep work quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and utensils.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of certain ingredients and store them for future use to save time on meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Scalloped Potato Gratin Recipe
olive oil spray - Substitute with butter or vegetable oil spray: Butter or vegetable oil spray can be used as a substitute for olive oil spray to add a rich flavor and prevent sticking.
yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes can be used as a substitute for Yukon gold potatoes in scalloped potato gratin as they have a similar texture and will hold up well during baking.
light butter - Substitute with regular butter or margarine: Regular butter or margarine can be used as a substitute for light butter to add richness and flavor to the dish.
fresh pepper - Substitute with ground black pepper: Ground black pepper can be used as a substitute for fresh pepper to add a similar peppery flavor to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic or garlic paste: Minced garlic or garlic paste can be used as a substitute for garlic powder to add a fresh garlic flavor to the dish.
cheddar - Substitute with Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Gruyère or Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute for cheddar to add a nutty and creamy flavor to the gratin.
fat free milk - Substitute with whole milk or half-and-half: Whole milk or half-and-half can be used as a substitute for fat-free milk to add richness and creaminess to the dish.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried thyme or oregano: Dried thyme or oregano can be used as a substitute for bay leaf to add a similar earthy and herbal flavor to the dish.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon or allspice: Cinnamon or allspice can be used as a substitute for nutmeg to add a warm and aromatic flavor to the gratin.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary or sage: Rosemary or sage can be used as a substitute for thyme to add a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Presenting Your Scalloped Potato Gratin
Elevate the potato slices: Gently layer the potato slices in a circular motion, creating a visually appealing pattern that showcases the layers of the gratin.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the gratin with a sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Utilize a unique serving dish: Present the scalloped potato gratin in a sophisticated, oven-safe porcelain dish, enhancing the overall presentation and adding a touch of elegance to the table.
Create a golden brown crust: Ensure the top layer of the gratin is perfectly browned, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to each serving.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the gratin, infusing it with a luxurious aroma and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the gratin with delicate, edible flowers, such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums, for an elegant and visually stunning presentation.
Serve with a side of greens: Accompany the gratin with a small side salad of baby arugula and radicchio, lightly dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Scalloped Potato Gratin
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Baking dish: A heat-resistant dish used for baking and serving food, typically made of glass or ceramic.
- Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking dishes and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Large bowl: A container used for mixing and combining ingredients, typically larger than a standard mixing bowl.
- Small saucepan: A small, deep cooking vessel with a long handle and a lid, used for heating and cooking sauces, liquids, and small quantities of food.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces for cooking and garnishing.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together, typically with a handle and loops of wire.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients, typically available in various sizes and units of measurement.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and cooking foods in the oven.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping food.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food, typically made of wood, plastic, or bamboo.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients during food preparation.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with a rough surface used for grating and shredding ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or spices.
Storing and Freezing Scalloped Potato Gratin
Let the scalloped potato gratin cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The gratin will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the scalloped potatoes:
- Divide the cooled gratin into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen scalloped potatoes will maintain their best quality for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat frozen scalloped potatoes directly in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until heated through and bubbly.
To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving scalloped potatoes, as this can make them mushy and unevenly heated.
How To Reheat Leftover Scalloped Potato Gratin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for reheating the scalloped potato gratin without drying it out or overcooking the potatoes.
Place the leftover gratin in an oven-safe dish. If the potatoes have been refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top from browning too quickly and will keep the moisture in, ensuring the potatoes remain tender and creamy.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of leftover gratin and the depth of your dish.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated scalloped potatoes, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This will allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that the microwave may cause the potatoes to become slightly soggy and won't provide a crispy top.
For a quick and crispy reheating method, use a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, then add individual portions of the gratin. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the scalloped potatoes before serving. They should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Random Fact About Scalloped Potato Gratin
Scalloped potato gratin is a classic French dish that originated in the 18th century. It was originally made with bread and cheese, but potatoes became a popular substitute during times of scarcity. The dish has since evolved to include various ingredients such as milk, butter, and different types of cheese. Despite its humble origins, scalloped potato gratin has become a beloved comfort food around the world. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Is Making Scalloped Potato Gratin at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this scalloped potato gratin recipe is quite high, as it utilizes simple and affordable ingredients. Yukon gold potatoes are budget-friendly, and the addition of cheddar cheese and thyme enhances the flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $10-$12, making it a cost-effective option for a satisfying and hearty meal. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability, delicious taste, and simplicity.
Is Scalloped Potato Gratin Healthy or Unhealthy?
The scalloped potato gratin recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered nutritious:
- Yukon gold potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Using light butter and fat-free milk reduces the overall fat content of the dish.
- Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein, but it also adds saturated fat.
- Thyme and garlic powder offer some antioxidants and flavor without adding calories.
- The recipe uses olive oil spray instead of excessive amounts of oil or butter.
However, the dish is still relatively high in carbohydrates and may not be suitable for those following a low-carb diet. The cheese and milk, even though low-fat or fat-free, can still contribute to the overall calorie count.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the nutrient density by adding vegetables like sliced onions, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach between the potato layers.
- Replace some of the potatoes with sliced zucchini or eggplant to reduce the carbohydrate content and add more fiber.
- Use a stronger flavored cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Parmesan, to reduce the amount needed while still providing flavor.
- Experiment with plant-based milk alternatives, such as unsweetened almond milk, to decrease the calorie and fat content further.
- Add more herbs and spices, like rosemary, paprika, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt or fat.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Scalloped Potato Gratin
This scalloped potato gratin recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful. The use of Yukon gold potatoes and the addition of thyme and nutmeg elevate the dish, providing a rich and aromatic experience. The cooking process is straightforward, allowing for easy preparation. The result is a comforting and satisfying side dish that is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
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Why trust this Scalloped Potato Gratin Recipe:
This recipe ensures a delicious outcome, as it features fresh and wholesome ingredients. The use of Yukon Gold potatoes provides a rich and buttery flavor, while the addition of cheddar cheese and thyme enhances the dish with savory notes. The incorporation of garlic powder and nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the flavors. Moreover, the method of layering the ingredients and baking them to perfection ensures a delightful texture and taste. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it promises a gratifying and comforting dining experience.
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