Scalloped potatoes are comfort food that you can enjoy any time of the year. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are simple to make and easy to enjoy. They are a classic dish often served as a side dish or an entrée.
My recipe is simple enough to customize however you desire, such as substituting ingredients. This recipe includes broccoli and ham, but you could add bacon, sausage, or any other meat or vegetables you enjoy.
Scalloped potatoes are usually made with thinly sliced potatoes and other ingredients. It is traditionally served in a scallop-like shape, hence the name. The most popular variation of scalloped potatoes is made with shallots, cream, butter, and white wine.
Another popular variation is made with onion, celery, and beef or vegetable broth instead of cream. Sometimes there are added ingredients such as bacon, escargot, and cheese.
My LOVE for Scalloped Potatoes
I was born and raised in the South and loved southern food. One of those foods is scalloped potatoes. I could eat them every day if I had it my way.
The first time I had scalloped potatoes was when my grandma cooked them for me for dinner one night when she came to visit. She made them just like her mom taught her to do back in the day, with a whole lot of love and care put into every detail.
She took so much pride in cooking for me and ensuring I enjoyed every bite of her dish. I remember thinking how delicious they were as soon as she put them on the table before we dug in to enjoy our meal together.
They were creamy, buttery, and so rich and flavorful. The dish had such a generous amount of potatoes; I loved how each piece was coated with the sauce that had developed from cooking them in the butter. Scalloped potatoes are one of those recipes where you can find endless variations!
Common Scallop Potatoes Mistakes That Will RUIN Your Meal!
There are a few common mistakes that people make when preparing scallop potatoes. These mistakes can ruin the meal and make it less tasty.
1. Not using enough butter
Scallop potatoes are a popular side dish presented at many dinner parties. The main ingredients are potatoes and butter, one of the essential parts of this meal. If you don’t add enough butter, the scallop potatoes will have a dry, crumbly texture with no flavor.
2. Not cooking enough potatoes
The first mistake that people make is not cooking enough potatoes. You want to double the number of potatoes to cook for every two or three people, so you are cooking 4-6 lbs of potatoes when only two or three people are eating.
3. Not using enough salt or pepper
Everybody loves potatoes, but they can be bland if you’re not adding enough salt or pepper. Scallop potatoes are a tasty alternative to other mashed potatoes.
Delicious Scalloped Potatoes | The Recipe
Ingredients:
-6 cups of frozen shreds of potatoes
-6 cups of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
-1 cup of diced ham, cooked and drained
-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
-1 cup of heavy cream or milk (plus more if needed)
-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided use
-1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Add two tablespoons of butter or olive oil to a Dutch oven or an 8×8 baking dish. You can also use nonstick cooking spray to coat the pan if you don’t want to use butter or oil.
2. Add broccoli and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the frozen, shredded potatoes, ham, 1/4 cup of butter or oil, and two tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the same pan. Stir until browned, about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream or milk to skillet and stir until thickened up, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add broccoli back into the skillet with the other ingredients. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a few tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Stir well and cook until the sauce has thickened up a bit.
6. Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed around the pan.
7. Sprinkle the top with another tablespoon or two of cheese and a few cracks of black pepper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly in the oven.
9. Enjoy!
Conclusion: Why I Love Scalloped Potatoes
This article has been about my love for scalloped potatoes. I was happy to get the chance to share my opinion on this food and what it means to me and share a recipe with you.
Scalloped potatoes are a dish that reminds me of my childhood when I would help my grandmother cook them with love and patience. Nowadays, I like making them at home for myself and those close to me.