How do you make Paula Deen's scalloped potatoes? -

A Step-by-Step Guide:

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless comfort food that finds its way to dinner tables across the world, but especially in the Southern United States, where creamy, cheesy dishes reign supreme. Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are a standout version of this beloved dish, featuring Yukon gold potatoes, sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and a rich cream sauce that makes it irresistibly creamy and indulgent.

This detailed guide will not only walk you through how to make Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes but also provide you with variations, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a cozy family meal, these scalloped potatoes are bound to become a favorite.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes Special?
Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes
Step-by-Step Recipe for Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes
1. Preheat the Oven
2. Slice the Potatoes
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
4. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
5. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Potatoes
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Variations of Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes
FAQs
Nutritional Information
Why Scalloped Potatoes are Perfect for Every Occasion
Conclusion

1. What Makes Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes Special?

Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes stand out for several reasons:

The cheese combination: While many scalloped potato recipes use only cream or milk, Paula Deen’s recipe uses both sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, which provide a complex, tangy flavor and a nice golden crust on top.
The potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are the star of the show here. They are known for their buttery flavor and smooth texture, which makes them the perfect choice for scalloped potatoes. Their slight waxiness ensures that they hold their shape during the cooking process.
Rich and creamy layers: Paula Deen’s recipe doesn’t skimp on the cream or the cheese. Each layer of potatoes is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, ensuring that every bite is indulgent and packed with flavor.
Southern-style comfort: Like many of Paula Deen’s recipes, this version of scalloped potatoes is steeped in Southern comfort food traditions, where creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dishes take center stage.

2. Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes

To recreate Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

4 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

Each ingredient in this recipe serves an essential purpose. The Yukon gold potatoes add a rich texture, the combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese introduces both sharpness and creaminess, and the heavy cream ensures the dish has a luscious, smooth consistency. Kosher salt and black pepper are used to enhance the flavors, while butter greases the baking dish and helps achieve that beautifully golden and crisp top layer.

3. Step-by-Step Recipe for Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes

Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself.

3a. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take this time to butter a large baking dish. The butter prevents the potatoes from sticking to the dish and adds extra richness to the recipe.

3b. Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly slice your potatoes to about ⅛ inch thick. If the slices are too thick, they may not cook through properly, and if they are too thin, they could become mushy. Consistency is key here.

Tip: Soaking the potato slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before assembling the dish helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the potatoes from becoming too gluey or heavy.

3c. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently. Once the cream starts to heat up, slowly stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Avoiding Curds: Be careful not to overheat the cheese sauce. If it reaches a boiling point, the cheese may curdle. Keep the heat at a steady medium and stir constantly to prevent any lumps or separation.

3d. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. Begin by placing a single layer of the sliced potatoes in the buttered dish. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring that each slice is coated. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of potatoes and cheese sauce, until the dish is full.

Ensure that you save enough sauce for the top layer of potatoes. This will ensure the top layer gets beautifully golden and crispy in the oven.

3e. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. The foil traps in steam, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly. After the 45 minutes have passed, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final bake will give the top layer of potatoes a gorgeous golden crust.

If the top layer isn’t browning as quickly as you’d like, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

4. Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses. Here are a few suggestions:

Grilled or roasted chicken: The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the smoky flavors of grilled or roasted chicken perfectly.
Roasted vegetables: Pair your scalloped potatoes with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
Fresh salads: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the scalloped potatoes and provide a refreshing contrast.

5. Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Getting scalloped potatoes just right can be tricky. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect:

Even potato slices: Using a mandoline helps you achieve evenly sliced potatoes, which is crucial for even cooking. If your slices are too thick, they may not cook through, and if they are too thin, they may turn mushy.
Don’t rush the cheese sauce: Take your time when making the cheese sauce. Keeping the heat at medium and stirring constantly will prevent the cheese from curdling or separating.
Broil for the perfect finish: To get that golden, crispy top layer, don’t hesitate to broil the dish for the last few minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Soak the potatoes: Soaking the potato slices in cold water helps to remove excess starch, preventing the dish from becoming too dense.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best cooks can make mistakes with scalloped potatoes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Using the wrong type of potato

Not all potatoes are created equal. Yukon gold potatoes or waxy potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape during cooking. Avoid using Russet potatoes, which can become too soft and break apart during baking.

2. Slicing potatoes unevenly

Uniform slices are essential for even cooking. If some slices are too thick, they won’t cook through, while thinner slices may overcook.

3. Curdling the sauce

Overheating the cheese sauce is a common mistake. To prevent curdling, keep the heat low and whisk constantly. If the cheese sauce begins to separate, you can add a tablespoon of cold milk to bring it back together.

4. Not seasoning properly

Don’t forget to season each layer of potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. This ensures that each bite is flavorful from top to bottom.

7. Variations of Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes

While Paula Deen’s classic scalloped potatoes recipe is delicious as is, you can put your own spin on the dish by trying some of these variations:

Add Vegetables

Add a layer of thinly sliced onions or mushrooms between the potato layers for an extra burst of flavor. You can also incorporate spinach, kale, or even bell peppers for a fresh, healthy twist.

Try Different Cheeses

If you want to mix things up, try using different cheeses in the sauce. Gruyère, Fontina, or even Pepper Jack can give the dish a whole new flavor profile. For a more intense flavor, add a sprinkle of blue cheese between the layers.

Spice it Up

For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños between the layers for a spicy twist.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes, but it’s best to bake them first. Once baked, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply increase the cooking time by 10 to 15 minutes if you’re baking it directly from the fridge.

How do I reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat leftover scalloped potatoes is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?

If your scalloped potatoes turn out watery, it may be because the potatoes weren’t drained properly after soaking, or the cheese sauce was too thin. Be sure to pat the potatoes dry before layering, and use full-fat cream for a thicker sauce.

9. Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for a serving of scalloped potatoes (based on approximately 8 servings per dish):

Calories: 350-400
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 700mg

The nutritional content may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and any additional variations.

10. Why Scalloped Potatoes are Perfect for Every Occasion

Scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a comforting, versatile food that works for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a family-friendly side dish, scalloped potatoes are always a hit.

Holiday Dinners

Scalloped potatoes make a perfect addition to your holiday table. Their creamy, cheesy richness complements roasted meats and other traditional sides, making them ideal for celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Weeknight Dinners

Though they may seem like a special-occasion dish, scalloped potatoes can also be a great option for weeknight dinners. They’re relatively simple to prepare, and they pair well with a variety of proteins, including roasted chicken, beef, or fish.

Potlucks and Gatherings

Because scalloped potatoes are easily scalable, they’re great for potlucks or large gatherings. You can double or even triple the recipe to feed a crowd, and since they’re a universally loved dish, they’re sure to please everyone.

11. Conclusion

Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and cheesy, making them a favorite in Southern cuisine. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own creative spin, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

With these tips, variations, and detailed instructions, you’re now ready to create a memorable side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight meals. Try this recipe, and it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple at your dinner table!

How do you make Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes?