40 Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes
Introduction
Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that can elevate any meal. Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a hearty side dish to serve your family, Paula Deen's recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we will explore the steps to make Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes and share some tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to make Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's nice and hot when it's time to bake the scalloped potatoes.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to achieve thin, even slices.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the salt and black pepper to the sauce, and stir until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Remember that the potatoes will absorb some of the salt, so it's important to season the sauce generously.
Step 6: Layer the Potatoes
Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping each other. Pour more sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are fully covered.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering the potatoes and sauce until you run out of ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of sauce on top.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of sauce. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust on the potatoes.
Step 9: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 10: Let it Rest
Once the scalloped potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, you can garnish the scalloped potatoes with some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish hot as a side to your favorite meat or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfect every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Use Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for scalloped potatoes as they have a high starch content and hold their shape well during baking. They also have a neutral flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Slice the Potatoes Evenly
It's important to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife will help you achieve thin and uniform slices.
Season the Sauce Generously
As mentioned earlier, the sauce should be well seasoned to account for the potatoes absorbing some of the salt. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Cover the Dish
If you prefer softer potatoes, you can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time. This will help steam the potatoes and create a more tender texture.
Let the Dish Rest
Allowing the scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to serve. It also gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
Experiment with Cheese
While Paula Deen's recipe calls for cheddar and Parmesan cheese, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a combination of cheeses can add different flavors and textures to the dish.
Add Some Herbs
If you're looking to elevate the flavor of your scalloped potatoes, consider adding some fresh or dried herbs to the sauce. Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of nutmeg can bring a new dimension to the dish.
Make it Ahead
If you're hosting a gathering or simply want to save time, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Conclusion
Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. With its creamy sauce, layers of tender potatoes, and melty cheese, it's a dish that will impress your family and guests. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you can create a perfect batch of scalloped potatoes every time. So go ahead, give this classic recipe a try, and enjoy the hearty flavors that Paula Deen's recipe has to offer.
