Are you craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these scalloped potatoes with heavy whipping cream! This recipe elevates the classic dish to new heights of richness and flavor, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or a cozy weeknight meal. Forget those bland, watery scalloped potatoes of the past – this recipe delivers a decadent, satisfying experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your potatoes won't stick and will brown beautifully.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Even layering is key for even cooking.
- Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. The Parmesan adds a lovely salty tang that complements the creaminess.
- Pour & Layer: Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. Then, add the remaining potatoes, arranging them in a similar overlapping manner. Finally, pour the remaining cream mixture over the top layer.
- Butter & Bake: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer of potatoes. This adds richness and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Rest & Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes:
- Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer ensures even cooking and prevents some potatoes from becoming mushy while others remain raw.
- Don't Overcrowd: Don't pack the potatoes too tightly in the baking dish; leave some space for the cream mixture to penetrate.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for a more intense flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina, for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the cream mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 3-4 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe for scalloped potatoes with heavy whipping cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!