Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, also known as potatoes au gratin, are a classic comfort food dish made with thinly sliced potatoes that are layered with a creamy sauce and baked until tender and golden brown. The dish is typically made with potatoes, butter, flour, milk, cheese, and a variety of seasonings.
Here’s a recipe for Scalloped Potatoes:

Serving size and preparation time:

The serving size for this scalloped potato recipe is approximately 6-8 people as a side dish.
The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, plus 1 hour of cooking time in the oven. However, the preparation time may vary depending on your cooking skills and the amount of time it takes to peel and slice the potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the saucepan and whisk to combine with the melted butter.
5. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to the milk mixture. Stir well.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring continuously.
8. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
9. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
10. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes.
11. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
12. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with foil.
14. Bake the scalloped potatoes in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
15. After 45 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes.
16. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
17. Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
18. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Serving suggestions:

Here are some serving suggestions for scalloped potatoes:

1. As a side dish: These potatoes make a delicious side dish to accompany a variety of main courses, such as roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
2. With a salad: Serve the scalloped potatoes with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers for a well-rounded meal.
3. For brunch: scalloped potatoes can be served as part of a brunch spread, along with bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
4. Potluck or holiday meal: These potatoes are a great option for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
5. Leftovers: Scalloped potatoes can be reheated and enjoyed as leftovers for lunch or dinner. They can also be used to make potato cakes or hash for a delicious breakfast or brunch.