West Bend Electric Skillet Scalloped Potatoes: A Nostalgic Comfort Food Classic

The smell of scalloped potatoes always takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Her tiny, sun-drenched space, filled with the aroma of simmering milk and melting cheese, was a haven of comfort. While she usually baked hers in the oven, I remember one Thanksgiving where the oven was overloaded, and she whipped up a batch of scalloped potatoes in her trusty West Bend electric skillet. The result was just as creamy, comforting, and delicious, proving that sometimes, the best dishes come from unexpected places and resourceful cooks.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled and sliced potatoes
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup crushed crackers or 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon parsley

Equipment Needed

• West Bend Electric Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Grater
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and slice the potatoes into approximately 1/8-inch thick rounds. Thinner slices will cook faster. Mince the onion. Grate the cheddar cheese and set aside.
2. In the West Bend electric skillet, combine the sliced potatoes, minced onion, salt, and milk.
3. Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Check the potatoes periodically to ensure the milk isn’t scorching and that the potatoes are cooking evenly. Gently stir if needed.
4. Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Season with pepper to your liking.
5. Sprinkle the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
6. Continue cooking, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is lightly browned. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
7. Once the potatoes are cooked through and the cheese is melted, reduce the skillet setting to “warm” for serving. This will keep the potatoes at an ideal temperature for serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Even Slicing is Key: Aim for uniformly sliced potatoes. This ensures even cooking and prevents some slices from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.
• Preventing Sticking: While milk usually doesn’t stick in an electric skillet, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet before adding the potatoes and milk. This adds richness and further prevents sticking.
• Cheese Placement: Adding half the cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering, before adding the cracker topping, allows the cheese to melt more deeply into the potatoes, creating a richer, creamier sauce.
• Adjusting Milk: If the potatoes seem dry while simmering, add a little more milk, 1/4 cup at a time. Conversely, if there is too much liquid after the potatoes are cooked, uncover the skillet for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Pre-cook Tougher Vegetables: If you decide to add vegetables like carrots or broccoli, consider pre-cooking them slightly before adding them to the skillet with the potatoes. This will ensure they cook through properly.
• Ham It Up: Add chopped cooked ham for a heartier dish. Add the ham with the cheese and cracker topping in the final 20 minutes of cooking.
• Crispy Topping Upgrade: For an extra crispy topping, melt a tablespoon of butter and toss it with the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before sprinkling over the potatoes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the West Bend Electric Skillet Scalloped Potatoes hot, directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added visual appeal. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like ham or chicken, or as a side dish to a vegetarian main course.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire batch in the electric skillet or oven. To reheat in the electric skillet, add a splash of milk to prevent drying out and cook on low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Reheating in the oven? Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning. While freezing is possible, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (estimated)	% Daily Value (based on 2000 calorie diet)
Calories	200 kcal	10%
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	450mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	6g	12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the milk mixture for a touch of heat.
• Garlic Lovers: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the onion when cooking for a savory flavor boost.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for a unique flavor profile.
• Creamy Upgrade: Substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra decadent dish.
• Deluxe Topping: Mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more flavorful topping.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly. Russet potatoes will also work, but they tend to fall apart more easily during cooking.

Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to scrub them thoroughly before slicing.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Ensure the heat is on low and keep an eye on the skillet during the last 20 minutes of cooking. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat further or loosely cover the skillet with foil.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the cheese and cracker topping just before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This West Bend Electric Skillet Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a testament to the versatility and convenience of this humble appliance. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and adaptable, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So, dust off your electric skillet, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be transported to a place of warmth, flavor, and cherished memories. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations – this dish is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! We would love to hear what you think and what changes you made in the comments below!