Introduction
When it comes to Southern cooking, Paula Deen is a household name. Known for her rich and comforting recipes, one of her standout dishes is scalloped potatoes. These creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked potatoes are a favorite at family dinners and special gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just want to try something delicious for dinner, Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are a great choice.
In this article, we’ll break down the recipe step by step. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking—this guide is simple, easy to follow, and will ensure your scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes
Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best results. These types are starchy and help create a creamy texture.
- Butter: Adds a rich flavor to the dish.
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These make the sauce creamy and smooth. You can use half-and-half as a substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Onions: Thinly sliced or finely chopped to add a sweet and savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a subtle kick.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan work wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite cheeses.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and sauce.
Optional Ingredients
If you’d like to put your own twist on this classic recipe, consider adding:
- Fresh Herbs: Try thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Bacon Bits: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory touch.
- Sliced Mushrooms or Bell Peppers: For a veggie-packed version, layer these between the potatoes.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Peel and Slice the Potatoes: First, wash and peel your potatoes. Then, slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer to make this quicker and easier.
- Chop Onions and Mince Garlic: Prepare your onions and garlic by chopping them finely. This will ensure they blend well into the dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat and stir in grated cheese until melted.
Assembling the Dish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish assembling the dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start by greasing a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onions, and garlic.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Top with Extra Cheese: For a golden and bubbly finish, sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top.
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This traps steam and ensures the potatoes cook evenly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
If you want to make sure your scalloped potatoes turn out absolutely perfect, here are some easy tips to follow. These simple tricks will help you get creamy layers, evenly cooked potatoes, and a beautiful golden top.
Choose the Right Potatoes
First, picking the right type of potatoes is really important. Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the best options because they’re starchy and help create that creamy texture.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are naturally buttery and hold their shape well.
- Russet Potatoes: These are softer and break down a little more, which makes the dish extra creamy.
Pro tip: Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly. Using a mandoline slicer can save time and give you perfect slices.
Make a Smooth Sauce
The cheese sauce is what makes this dish so rich and flavorful. To get it just right:
- Stir the flour and butter constantly when making the roux. This prevents lumps.
- Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking. Adding it all at once can make the sauce clumpy.
- Remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This keeps the cheese from separating and becoming oily.
Layer Carefully
When it’s time to assemble the dish, layering is key to even cooking. Here’s how:
- Spread Potatoes Evenly: Arrange them in flat layers so they cook uniformly.
- Season Every Layer: Sprinkle a little salt and pepper between each layer. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Pour the Sauce Slowly: This helps it soak through the potatoes, creating creamy layers.
Bake to Perfection
Getting the baking process right is the last step to success:
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps the moisture in and ensures the potatoes become tender.
- Remove the foil in the final 20–30 minutes to let the top brown and bubble. This gives you that classic golden crust.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it slides in easily, your dish is ready!
Let It Rest
After baking, let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes the dish easier to slice and serve.
Now that you know how to perfect this dish, let’s talk about serving and pairing ideas!
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Now that your scalloped potatoes are ready, let’s talk about how to enjoy them. These rich and creamy potatoes are not only delicious but also filling, making them a great side dish for a variety of meals. However, it’s helpful to know what’s in your dish, especially if you’re mindful of nutrition or planning your portions.
Nutritional Breakdown
Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are made with ingredients like cream, cheese, and butter, which give them their amazing flavor. Here’s a general idea of what one serving might include (based on an 8-serving recipe):
- Calories: About 300–350 per serving
- Protein: 8–10 grams (from the cheese and milk)
- Fat: 18–20 grams (mostly from butter and cream)
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 grams (mostly from potatoes)
If you’d like to make this dish lighter, here are a few simple swaps:
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Substitute some of the cream with more milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Try reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with many dishes, making them a versatile addition to your table. Here are some serving ideas:
- Main Courses:
- Serve them with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak.
- They’re also a perfect side for turkey during Thanksgiving or other holiday feasts.
- Vegetables and Salads:
- Pair them with a crisp green salad for balance.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a fresh, healthy touch.
- Bread and Rolls:
- Add some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for a complete meal.
When to Serve Scalloped Potatoes
This dish works for many occasions, such as:
- Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Family Dinners: They’re comforting and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and sure to be a hit!
With their creamy layers and cheesy goodness, scalloped potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Next, we’ll explore some creative ways to customize this dish to make it your own.
Variations of the Recipe
While Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are amazing as they are, sometimes it’s fun to try new flavors or adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Whether you want to make it healthier, add some extra ingredients, or change it up for dietary reasons, here are some easy ways to customize the dish.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can still enjoy scalloped potatoes with a few simple changes:
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so it’s an easy swap!
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk instead of whole milk.
- Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture.
- Choose dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Low-Calorie Version:
- Substitute low-fat milk for whole milk and use less butter.
- Try using part-skim cheese instead of full-fat cheese.
Add Some Protein
If you want to make scalloped potatoes a heartier dish, adding protein is a great idea. Here are some easy options:
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle cooked, crispy bacon between the layers of potatoes for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Ham: Thinly sliced or cubed ham works well and makes it a great main dish.
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken can also be layered into the dish for a complete meal.
Add More Vegetables
Vegetables can make this dish even more flavorful and nutritious. Here are a few ideas:
- Spinach: Add fresh or sautéed spinach between the layers for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Thinly sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Broccoli: Chop it into small pieces and layer it with the potatoes for a cheesy broccoli-and-potato bake.
Try Different Cheeses
The choice of cheese can completely change the flavor of the dish. While Paula Deen’s recipe calls for cheddar and parmesan, you can experiment with:
- Gruyere: Adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a mild taste.
- Smoked Gouda: Perfect for a smoky twist.
Spice It Up
If you like your food with a bit of heat or extra flavor, consider these options:
- Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Paprika: Sprinkle it on top before baking for color and a smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Even more garlic flavor without adding more cloves.
Sweet Potato Version
For a fun twist, you can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They’ll give the dish a naturally sweet flavor and pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
By trying these variations, you can turn Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes into something uniquely yours. Up next, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about this dish.
FAQs
How do you use cheese seasoning powder?
Cheese seasoning powder is a versatile ingredient that can add extra cheesy flavor to your scalloped potatoes. Here’s how you can use it:
- Mix it Into the Sauce: While preparing the béchamel sauce, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of cheese powder for an extra boost of cheesy flavor. This works especially well if you’re using mild cheese and want a stronger taste.
- Sprinkle on Layers: As you assemble the potatoes, sprinkle a light layer of cheese powder between the layers for a more pronounced flavor.
- Dust on Top: Before baking, dust the top layer with cheese powder to create a crispy, cheesy crust.
Cheese seasoning powder is easy to find at most grocery stores and is a quick way to enhance the dish without adding more shredded cheese.
What is the one trick Michael Symon uses to make perfect scalloped potatoes?
Chef Michael Symon’s secret to perfect scalloped potatoes is par-cooking the potatoes in the sauce before layering them in the dish. This method helps to infuse the potatoes with flavor and ensures even cooking.
Here’s how you can try it:
- After slicing the potatoes, place them in a pot with the sauce (made with cream, milk, and cheese).
- Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 5–7 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Once the potatoes start to soften, transfer them to the baking dish, layer as usual, and bake.
This extra step not only speeds up the baking process but also prevents the dish from being watery or unevenly cooked.
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes are similar dishes, but they have a few key differences:
- Cheese:
- Scalloped potatoes typically do not include cheese in the traditional recipe. The cream sauce is the star.
- Au gratin potatoes always include cheese, both in the sauce and often on top for a browned, crispy layer.
- Thickness of Slices:
- Scalloped potatoes are usually sliced slightly thicker (about 1/4 inch).
- Au gratin potatoes are sliced thinner (around 1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking with the cheese.
- Topping:
- Scalloped potatoes might have a breadcrumb topping, but it’s not common.
- Au gratin potatoes often have a breadcrumb and cheese topping, giving them a crispy, golden finish.
- Cooking Method:
- Both dishes are baked, but au gratin potatoes might need a shorter cooking time due to the thinner slices.
In short, scalloped potatoes are creamy and comforting, while au gratin potatoes are creamier with a cheesier and crispier top. Both are delicious and make fantastic side dishes for any meal.
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes, especially Paula Deen’s recipe, are a wonderful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With their creamy layers, cheesy sauce, and golden-brown top, they’re always a hit at family dinners, holidays, and special occasions.
We’ve covered everything you need to know to make this dish, from choosing the best potatoes and layering them carefully, to mastering the cheese sauce and trying fun variations. Whether you stick to Paula Deen’s classic recipe or add your own twist, you’re sure to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe—whether you want to make it lighter, add vegetables, or even switch to sweet potatoes. And with tips like par-cooking the potatoes or using cheese powder, your scalloped potatoes will turn out perfectly every time.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and watch as this comforting dish becomes a favorite at your table. Happy cooking!