Ina Garten scalloped potatoes

If you’re searching for the perfect side dish to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes. This renowned dish is sure to impress any foodie in your life, with its creamy cheese sauce-blanketed layers of thinly sliced potatoes. The key to success is thinly slicing the potatoes with a mandolin or chef’s knife to ensure they cook evenly. With detailed instructions at the ready, you’ll be able to master making these delicious scalloped potatoes right away. 

Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This scalloped potatoes recipe is as simple as it is delicious. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce and thinly sliced potatoes creates an irresistibly flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Furthermore, you can easily adjust the recipe to make smaller or larger servings depending on how many people you’re expecting.

About Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes

Introducing Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes: a dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes, fennel, onion, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with heavy cream and Gruyère cheese. This delightful medley is expertly layered in a perfectly greased casserole dish.

To unveil the true depth of flavors, we recommend thinly slicing and caramelizing the fennel and onion to achieve a delectable caramelized touch. Once that’s done, the scalloped potatoes are covered with a snug aluminum foil blanket and baked at 350 F for 30 minutes. With great anticipation, you remove the foil, allowing the potatoes to continue baking until the top reaches a beautiful golden brown hue and the potatoes turn irresistibly tender. 

What is the Difference Between Au Gratin and Scalloped Potatoes?

When it comes to the dissimilarity between au gratin and scalloped potatoes, the key factor lies in the presence of cheese in au gratin and its absence in scalloped potatoes. Nevertheless, in contemporary usage, the terms scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes are often used interchangeably.

Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potato Ingredients

• 2 small fennel bulbs 
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 
• 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 
• 2 Ib russet potatoes (4 large potatoes) 
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
• 2 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (½ Ib), divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes Instructions

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Grease a casserole dish with butter.
• Remove the stalks from the fennel and cut the bulbs in half lengthwise.
• Remove the cores (heart) and thinly slice the bulbs crosswise, resulting in approximately 3 or 4 cups of sliced fennel.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over low heat.
• Add the sliced fennel and onions to the skillet and cook for 15 minutes until tender and caramelized. Optionally, you can add minced garlic at this stage.
• Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and thinly slice them by hand or using a mandolin.
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, 2 cups of cream, 2 cups of Gruyère cheese, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well, then add the cooked fennel and onion mixture.

Transfer the potato mixture to the greased baking dish and press it into an even layer.

Baking:

• In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream and ½ cup of Gruyère cheese.
• Sprinkle the mixture on top of the potatoes. Optionally, season with pepper.
• Bake the dish for 1 ½ hours until the potatoes are very tender and the top is lightly browned and bubbly.

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serving.

How Do You Keep Scalloped Potatoes from Drying Out?

To ensure your scalloped potatoes remain moist and delicious, here are some additional tips:

• Slice the potatoes evenly: By cutting the potatoes into a uniform thickness, you promote even cooking and prevent some slices from becoming overly dry.
• Use adequate liquid: Make sure your recipe includes enough liquid, such as cream or milk. This liquid helps keep the potatoes moist throughout the cooking process. If you notice any dryness, feel free to add a bit more liquid while cooking.
• Avoid overcooking: It’s important not to bake the scalloped potatoes for too long. Follow the recipe instructions and keep a close eye on them while in the oven. Remove the potatoes when they turn tender and develop a beautiful golden brown topping.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover scalloped potatoes, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture and prevents drying out in the refrigerator.

 How Can You Tell When the Scalloped Potatoes Are Done?

To ensure that your scalloped potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready to be devoured, follow these steps:

• Check the browning: Take a moment to admire the golden brown perfection of the top layer. The slight crispiness will make your taste buds tingle with anticipation. If the top hasn’t achieved the desired browning, exercise patience and let them stay in the oven for a little longer.
• Test the tenderness: Grab a fork or a knife and gently prod the center of the dish, ensuring that you reach the bottom layer of potatoes. The ideal scalloped potatoes should offer little resistance when pierced and melt in your mouth with tenderness. If they are still firm or have a raw texture, be patient and let them continue cooking until perfection is achieved.
• Observe the bubbling: As the scalloped potatoes reach the pinnacle of deliciousness, you may notice gentle bubbling around the edges. This delightful bubbling is an unmistakable sign that your dish is thoroughly cooked and heated to perfection.

Note: Remember, cooking times can vary depending on factors like the thickness of your potato slices, oven temperature, and other culinary nuances. Don’t just rely on specific cooking times; trust your senses and enjoy the mouthwatering outcome.

How Do You Fix Undercooked Scalloped Potatoes?

To fix undercooked and un-browned scalloped potatoes, follow these steps:

• Increase the cooking time: Place the undercooked scalloped potatoes back into the oven and continue baking at the recommended temperature until they are tender. Check periodically by inserting a fork or knife in the center.
• Cover with foil: If the top has started to brown or is already browned but the potatoes are still undercooked, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil. This traps heat and moisture, helping the potatoes to cook through without further browning. Keep them in the oven until fully tender.
• Lower the oven temperature: If the top is browning too quickly while the potatoes are undercooked, slightly reduce the oven temperature. This slows down the browning process, giving the potatoes more time to cook.
• Add liquid: If the potatoes are partially cooked but still firm, add a small amount of liquid such as cream, milk, or broth to the dish. The additional liquid helps soften the potatoes as they continue to bake.

Note: Remember to closely monitor the potatoes to prevent overcooking or burning. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender throughout.

Recipe Tips

For an even better-scalloped potatoes experience, consider these suggestions:

• Slice the potatoes into regular 1/8-inch-thick slices to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Season the potatoes with salt and pepper between each layer to ensure proper seasoning throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan. Sprinkle or grate the cheese over the potato layers before drizzling the cream sauce.
• Enhance the flavor by adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Allow the scalloped potatoes to sit for about 15 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and the dish to set before slicing.
• Get creative with toppings – crumbled bacon, minced chives, or a sprinkle of paprika can add visual appeal and extra taste.
• Keep an eye on the dish while it bakes to control the browning and the desired softness of the potatoes, as cooking times may vary based on oven and potato thickness.

How To Store Leftovers

Here are a few tips for dealing with leftover scalloped potatoes:

• Refrigeration: After the scalloped potatoes have cooled a bit, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing can alter both the texture of the potatoes and the cream sauce, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
• Freezing: If you want to get a head start on dinner, consider making and freezing scalloped potatoes or potato gratins. Cook the potatoes until they’re tender and slightly browned, but not fully done. Let them cool, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks.

Note: Planning ahead and properly storing your leftovers can help you enjoy delicious meals in the future.

How To Reheat Leftover

To reheat leftover scalloped potatoes, you have a few options:

Microwave Method:

•   Place the desired amount of scalloped potatoes on a microwave-safe dish.
•   Add two tablespoons of milk or water to enhance moisture.
•   Cover the dish with a lid.
•   Microwave the scalloped potatoes on high power for just one minute.

Oven Method:

•   For individual servings, preheat the oven to 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit.
•   Warm the scalloped potatoes in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
•   Alternatively, you can microwave them for 3-5 minutes.
•   Another option is to set the oven to 50% power and heat them for the same amount of time.

Air Fryer Method:

•   Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
•   Allow the leftover scalloped potatoes to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
•   Place the scalloped potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
•   If reheating large quantities, you may need to do multiple batches.

What to Serve With Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes

To elevate your culinary experience, here are some delightful side dish options to serve alongside:

• Perfectly Roasted Chicken: Pair the tender and juicy roasted chicken with the creamy scalloped potatoes for a timeless combination that never disappoints.
• Grilled Steak: Indulge in a mouthwatering ribeye or filet mignon, grilled to perfection, and savor it alongside the comforting flavors of the scalloped potatoes. This combination of tender meat and creamy potatoes will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
• Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Elevate your plate with an explosion of colors, textures, and flavors by incorporating roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. The roasted vegetables beautifully complement the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Crisp Green Salad: Add a refreshing and light element to your meal with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette or topped with a classic Caesar dressing. The vibrant salad serves as the perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Grilled Fish: Delicate and flavorful grilled fish, such as salmon, halibut, or trout, pairs exquisitely with scalloped potatoes. The combination of the moist and flaky fish with the creamy potatoes creates a truly memorable dining experience.
• Steamed Vegetables: Keep it simple yet nutritious with steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. The fresh and vibrant flavors of these vegetables perfectly balance out the richness of the potatoes.
• Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Enhance the flavors of the scalloped potatoes by serving them alongside succulent herb-roasted pork tenderloin. The tender and flavorful pork beautifully complement the creamy and comforting potatoes.

Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g grams)
• Calories: 216
• Calories from Fat: 81
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 29mg
• Sodium: 821mg
• Potassium: 926mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 4.7g
• Protein: 7g

FAQs of ina garten scalloped potatoes

How do you make Martha Stewart scalloped potatoes?

• It’s quite simple. All you need to do is preheat your oven, line a shallow baking dish with parchment paper, and layer thinly sliced potatoes in the dish.
• Then pour a mixture of melted butter, cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
• Finally, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top. Enjoy!

How do you make Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes?

• Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes start with preheating the oven and layering thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
• Then mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and shredded cheese. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy!

Is potato gratin the same as scalloped potatoes?

Yes, potato gratin and scalloped potatoes are the same dish. Both recipes involve layering thinly sliced potatoes in a shallow baking dish, pouring over a creamy mixture, and baking until golden brown and crispy on top. The difference is that potato gratin is usually made with Gruyere cheese while scalloped potatoes often have Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese.

Why are my scalloped potatoes not softening?

If your scalloped potatoes are still hard after baking, it could be because the potatoes were too thickly sliced. To ensure that your scalloped potatoes are soft and creamy, make sure to slice them as thinly as possible. Additionally, you may need to bake them for a few minutes longer than usual if they’re still hard after the recommended baking time.

Can You Make Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes, it is possible to make scalloped potatoes ahead of time. To do this, preheat your oven and layer the thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish as normal. Once you’ve poured the creamy mixture over the potatoes, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to use. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top. Enjoy!

How long to bake Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes typically need to be baked for a total of 75 minutes. This includes 45 minutes covered with aluminum foil, followed by an additional 30 minutes uncovered. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on top when done baking.

What Is The Best Type Of Potatoes To Use In Scalloped Potatoes?

The best type of potatoes to use for scalloped potatoes are waxy potatoes such as Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes. These types of potatoes tend to hold their shape better during baking and make for creamier, more flavorful scalloped potatoes.

Conclusion about ina garten scalloped potatoes

In conclusion, Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes are a wonderfully delicious side dish and an absolute must-have for any home dinner. The combination of butter, heavy cream, onions, and garlic makes these potatoes creamy and flavorful. So if you’re looking to try out a tasty and fool-proof scalloped potatoes recipe, there is no better option than this classic one from Ina Garten. Buy all the necessary ingredients from your local stores today and make this scrumptious treat tonight! 

References:

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• How to roast frozen corn in the oven
• Pioneer Woman carrot cake recipe