Scalloped Potatoes with Herbed Cheese

The memory still makes me smile. It was Thanksgiving at my Aunt Millie’s, the air thick with the aroma of roasting turkey and simmering spices. While everyone raved about the perfectly golden bird, I remember being utterly captivated by a humble dish tucked away on the sideboard: scalloped potatoes. They weren’t just potatoes; they were creamy, cheesy comfort, infused with the subtle tang of herbs that danced on my tongue. To this day, that simple casserole represents the warmth and joy of family gatherings, and it’s a recipe I treasure and make my own.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 4 ounces herbed cream cheese
• ¾ cup grated Swiss cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 ½ lbs baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices (about 5 medium)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch casserole dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Generously butter a 9-inch casserole dish. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and adds a lovely richness to the edges.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted but not browned.
4. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
5. Cook the flour and butter mixture for 2 to 3 minutes at medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. Be careful not to brown the roux, as this will affect the color and flavor of the sauce. The roux should be smooth and slightly bubbly.
6. Gradually whisk in the 2 ½ cups of milk. Add the milk slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering the sauce allows it to thicken slightly.
9. Add the 4 ounces of herbed cream cheese, ¾ cup of grated Swiss cheese, ½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste), ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
10. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
11. Begin layering the sliced potatoes and the cheese sauce in the buttered casserole dish. Start with a layer of potato slices, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
12. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potato layer, ensuring all the potatoes are coated.
13. Continue layering the potatoes and sauce alternately, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top. This ensures the potatoes are fully cooked and the top is golden brown.
14. Sprinkle the top layer of cheese sauce with the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty flavor and creates a lovely crust.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. To test for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of the casserole. It should slide easily through the potatoes.
16. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the potatoes to cool down enough to handle.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure uniform slices, about ¼ inch thick. This promotes even cooking and prevents some slices from being undercooked while others are mushy.
• Use good quality cheese: The flavor of the cheese is crucial to the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a high-quality Swiss cheese and herbed cream cheese for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the roux: Be careful not to brown the butter and flour mixture, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste. Cook it just until it’s smooth and slightly bubbly.
• Adjust the seasonings: Taste the sauce before layering the potatoes and adjust the salt, pepper, and nutmeg to your liking. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness.
• Prevent browning: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, assemble, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the scalloped potatoes hot as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or fish. They pair particularly well with ham, roast beef, or baked chicken. A simple green salad complements the richness of the potatoes.

Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	513.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	259 g	51%
Total Fat	28.9 g	44%
Saturated Fat	18.1 g	90%
Cholesterol	91.9 mg	30%
Sodium	631.6 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	46.4 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	1.9 g	N/A
Protein	18.6 g	37%

Variations & Substitutions

• Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the potato layers for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle heat.
• Smoked paprika: A dash of smoked paprika in the sauce lends a smoky, savory note.
• Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or sharp cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
• Garlic: Infuse the milk with a clove of crushed garlic for a subtle garlicky aroma. Remove the garlic before adding the milk to the roux.
• Vegan option: Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese is always recommended for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from browning before they are cooked through?
A: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I add meat to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Diced ham, cooked bacon, or crumbled sausage would be delicious additions to this recipe. Add them between the potato layers.

Q: My sauce is too thick/thin. What can I do?
A: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While baking potatoes like Russets are ideal for this recipe due to their starch content, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they will not cook as well in this dish.

Final Thoughts

These scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a warm hug on a plate. The creamy sauce, the tender potatoes, and the herbed cheese combine to create a truly comforting and satisfying meal. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking, and let me know what variations you come up with! This dish is a perfect accompaniment to almost any main course, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.