If you’re looking for a delicious and classic side dish to accompany your next meal, then look no further than Martha Stewart’s scalloped potatoes. This creamy and savory dish is a staple for any home cook and is incredibly easy to make.
Martha Stewart’s scalloped potatoes are made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, garlic, and cream, topped with grated cheese and breadcrumbs for a perfectly crispy crust. It’s a great dish for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to make Martha Stewart’s delicious scalloped potatoes step by step.
Gathering Ingredients and Preparing Tools
When it comes to making Martha Stewart’s scalloped potatoes, the first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare the tools. You will need potatoes, heavy cream, whole milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. Be sure to select fresh and high-quality potatoes for the best results.
In addition to the ingredients, you will also need a mandoline or a sharp knife for slicing the potatoes, a large saucepan for heating the cream and milk, a baking dish, and an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and set aside the baking dish. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the next step of making these delicious scalloped potatoes.
Slicing and Layering Potatoes
Slicing and layering potatoes is an essential step when making Martha Stewart’s delicious scalloped potatoes. To begin, you’ll need to slice your potatoes into thin, even rounds. A mandoline slicer works best for this job, as it allows you to cut the potatoes uniformly and quickly. However, if you don’t have one, a sharp knife will also do the trick.
Next, it’s time to start layering your sliced potatoes. First, butter a 9×13 baking dish and cover the bottom with a layer of sliced potatoes. Make sure the slices overlap slightly to create a tight layer without any gaps. Drizzle a small amount of heavy cream over the layer of potatoes, then add a sprinkling of sea salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you have used up all your potatoes, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top. Once the dish is assembled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, bake in the oven at 400°F for around 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is golden brown.
Creating and Pouring Cream Sauce
After layering the thinly-sliced potatoes evenly in a baking dish, the next step in making Martha Stewart scalloped potatoes is to create and pour the cream sauce. Start by melting butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes smooth. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg to add additional flavors to the cream sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken and coats the back of the spoon. Add a cup of grated cheddar cheese and let it melt completely while stirring occasionally. Once the cheese has melted into the sauce, remove it from the heat.
Once the cream sauce is ready, pour it over the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the potatoes. Make sure that every slice is coated with the sauce, so all of the potatoes cook properly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for an hour or until the potatoes are fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling hot. When ready, remove the foil and let the potatoes broil in the oven until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. With the perfect combination of cheese, potatoes, and creamy sauce, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress any dinner guests.
Baking and Monitoring Potatoes in the Oven
Once you have layered the potatoes and poured the cream mixture over them, it’s time to bake the scalloped potatoes. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the dish on the center rack. Set the timer for 45 minutes and let the potatoes bake.
After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Use a fork or a small knife to poke the potatoes to check doneness. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the top layer should be golden brown. Bake the potatoes for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial to ensure a perfect texture and flavor of the scalloped potatoes.
Removing Potatoes from the Oven
Removing Potatoes from the Oven
Once the scalloped potatoes have been in the oven for an hour, it’s time to check on them. The top of the dish should be a beautiful golden brown, which indicates that it’s ready to come out of the oven. Get a pair of oven mitts and carefully remove the dish from the oven.
It’s important to let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to set and makes it easier to cut into portions. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving to add some color and freshness. Serve the Martha Stewart scalloped potatoes hot and enjoy the delicious flavors and creamy texture.
Garnishing and Serving Scalloped Potatoes
Garnishing and serving scalloped potatoes is an art in itself. A well-garnished dish is not only visually appealing but also adds to the overall flavor and taste of the dish. Once your scalloped potatoes are ready, you can garnish them in a number of ways. You can sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the potatoes, or you can top them with breadcrumbs and grated cheese for a crispy crunch. You can also add thin slices of cooked bacon to give a smoky flavor.
When it comes to serving scalloped potatoes, you can either serve them as a side dish or as a main course. A popular way to serve them is as a side dish for roasted or grilled meat. You can also serve them with a salad for a light and healthy meal. Another way to serve them is as a main course by adding cooked ham or sausage to the recipe. Once you’ve garnished your scalloped potatoes, you can place them on a serving dish or individual plates and enjoy the deliciousness that is Martha Stewart’s scalloped potatoes.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Martha Stewart Scalloped Potatoes.
Scalloped potatoes are a delicious and classic side dish that many people enjoy. And if you’re looking to make them like Martha Stewart, there are a few tips that can really help you achieve the perfect dish. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Firstly, it is important to slice your potatoes as evenly as possible. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from becoming too mushy while others remain undercooked. Additionally, be sure to use heavy cream for a rich, decadent flavor. And finally, make sure to bake your potatoes long enough, until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. These tips will help you create a delicious dish of Martha Stewart Scalloped Potatoes that will knock your socks off.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Martha Stewart’s scalloped potatoes are a delicious and indulgent side dish that is perfect for any special occasion or family gathering. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
While this recipe may require some time and effort to prepare, the end result is well worth it. Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy steak or a festive holiday ham, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress and leave your guests craving for more. So why not give Martha Stewart’s recipe a try and experience the decadent goodness for yourself?