Oh my goodness, let me tell you about loaded scalloped potatoes! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with gooey cheese. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the moment it came out of the oven, the smell was so heavenly that we could hardly wait to dig in. Trust me, the combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to side dish for any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or just enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, these loaded scalloped potatoes are bound to impress. You’re going to love every cheesy bite!
Ingredients for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Gathering the ingredients for these loaded scalloped potatoes is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy delight:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (I like to use Yukon Gold for their creaminess!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (This is where the magic happens—so rich and luscious!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to go for sharp cheddar for an extra kick!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (This adds that lovely umami flavor!)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (For a fresh pop of color and flavor—yum!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t skimp on this—seasoning is key!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (To grease your dish and add a touch of richness!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful side dish that everyone will rave about!
How to Prepare Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Now, let’s get down to the delicious part—making these loaded scalloped potatoes! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to get that perfect golden crust!
- Grease a baking dish with butter. You want to ensure nothing sticks, plus it adds a bit of flavor!
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your dish. Don’t worry about them being perfect; just make sure they’re somewhat evenly spread out.
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is what makes everything so luscious!
- Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes. Give it a little shimmy to help it soak in.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. Oh, the cheesiness is what dreams are made of!
- Now, repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses. Just like a cheesy potato lasagna!
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil—this helps to steam the potatoes and cook them through. Bake for 45 minutes.
- After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Wow, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up nicely.
And there you have it—simple steps to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these loaded scalloped potatoes in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that clings to each slice of potato, giving you that dreamy mouthfeel.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, along with the hint of garlic and green onions, brings a burst of flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level!
- Versatile Side Dish: These scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main course, whether it’s a juicy roast, grilled chicken, or a hearty veggie dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, no one can resist a heaping scoop of cheesy potatoes. They’re bound to be the star of your dinner table!
Tips for Success with Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Ready to take your loaded scalloped potatoes to the next level? Here are my top tips for achieving potato perfection!
- Slice Evenly: Make sure your potatoes are sliced thinly and uniformly. I recommend using a mandoline for consistency; it helps them cook evenly and gives you that lovely texture.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Letting the potatoes bake covered helps them become tender first. Be patient and make sure to uncover them for that last 15 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden crust!
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to season each layer! A little salt and pepper goes a long way in elevating the flavor of your dish.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your scalloped potatoes sit for a few minutes before slicing. This helps everything firm up and makes serving so much easier!
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices! A sprinkle of thyme or a dash of paprika can add a lovely twist to the classic flavor.
With these tips, you’ll create scalloped potatoes that are not just good but absolutely unforgettable!
Variations of Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these loaded scalloped potatoes! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Cheese Swap: Try using different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. You can even mix in some smoked gouda for a hint of smokiness!
- Bacon Bliss: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle cooked bacon bits between the layers. The salty crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cream mixture for a fragrant boost. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a lovely touch!
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cream mixture. You’ll get a delightful heat that balances the richness!
- Veggie Delight: Layer in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies for a heartier dish!
These variations will keep your loaded scalloped potatoes exciting and delicious every time you make them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover loaded scalloped potatoes? Yes, please! Storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this cheesy goodness later. First, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and reheat beautifully. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply pop them in the oven! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and reheat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you want that golden crust back, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix, just be careful not to overcook them. Enjoy those cheesy bites again—yum!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! These loaded scalloped potatoes are a delightful indulgence, and here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your cheesy goodness while still being mindful of balance!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these loaded scalloped potatoes? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I receive:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love Yukon Gold for their creaminess, you can also use Russets or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes might change the texture slightly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind that the dish may be a bit less rich. You can also add a little extra cheese to compensate!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the scalloped potatoes in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What should I serve with loaded scalloped potatoes?
These cheesy delights go well with just about anything! They’re perfect alongside a juicy roast, grilled chicken, or even a hearty salad. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Can I freeze loaded scalloped potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re cooled completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
For more tips on cooking potatoes, check out this Potato Goodness website.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of potatoes, visit Healthline’s nutrition page.
Print
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: 10 Easy Steps to Cheesy Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy side dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half the cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits.
- Ensure potatoes are evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
- Let the dish sit after baking for better slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: loaded scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato side dish
