Paula Deen may be best known for her Southern-style, comfort food recipes that always deliver big flavor. One of her signature dishes, scalloped potatoes, is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
While this dish may seem simple, there are a few key ingredients and techniques that make it truly stand out. In this article, we will break down Paula Deen’s recipe for scalloped potatoes and show you how to recreate this delicious dish at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying side dish, these potatoes are sure to impress.
Gathering your ingredients and tools
When it comes to making Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes, the first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. For the potatoes, you will need about 4 to 6 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
In terms of tools, you will need a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes, a large pot to cook the potatoes, a baking dish to bake the dish, and a whisk to mix the cream and the seasoning. With all these ingredients and tools ready to go, you can guarantee that making Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes will be a breeze and you’ll have a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparing your potatoes for the dish
To make Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes, you must first prepare your potatoes for the dish. Start by washing and peeling your potatoes, ensuring that all the dirt and rough edges are removed. Then, slice them into thin, even pieces that are approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Next, you will need to parboil the potatoes to help them cook evenly. Fill a large pot with water and a pinch of salt, bring it to a boil, and add the potato slices. Boil for 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes are just starting to soften but are still firm. Drain the water from the pot and set the potatoes aside to cool before assembling your dish. Preparing the potatoes in this way will result in perfectly cooked, tender slices that hold their shape and texture in the finished dish.
Making the cheese sauce for scalloped potatoes
Making the cheese sauce for scalloped potatoes is an essential step to get that perfect creaminess and cheesy flavor in your dish. To start, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once the butter has melted, add 6 tablespoons of flour and whisk together for about a minute or until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Next, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pan. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pan, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Once the cheese sauce is ready, pour it over the sliced potatoes and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
Layering potatoes and cheese sauce in a casserole dish
Once your potatoes are cooked through and your cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to start layering the two together in a casserole dish. Begin by greasing your casserole dish with a little bit of cooking spray or butter. Then, start by spooning a layer of cheese sauce onto the bottom of the dish. Be sure to spread it out evenly across the entire surface.
Next, add a layer of sliced potatoes on top of the cheese sauce, making sure to overlap the slices slightly. Spoon another layer of cheese sauce over the potatoes, and continue to layer potatoes and cheese sauce until you run out of ingredients. Finish by pouring any remaining cheese sauce over the top of the last layer of potatoes.
Once your casserole is layered, cover it with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top of the casserole is golden brown. When it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish makes for a delicious and hearty comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion!
Baking and serving your scalloped potatoes
Once you have layered your scalloped potatoes with cheese and cream, it’s ready to be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the dish inside. The potatoes will have to bake for around an hour or until golden brown on top. If you find that the cheese on top is becoming too brown before the potatoes are cooked, then you can cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to fully absorb the creamy goodness and thicken up slightly. Then, it’s time to serve up this delicious side dish. Scalloped potatoes go great with grilled or roasted meats, and they also make a great side for holiday meals. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top or add a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. Your guests will love you for making Paula Deen’s Scalloped Potatoes!
Variations on Paula Deen’s classic recipe
Variations on Paula Deen’s classic recipe allow for creative experimentation in your kitchen. You can modify the recipe to include your favorite ingredients or cater to the dietary restrictions of your family and friends.
For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the top layer of the scalloped potatoes before baking. For a healthier version, replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth, and use a blend of sweet and white potatoes instead of solely white potatoes. For a meat lover’s option, add slices of cooked bacon or ham to the recipe. With the versatility of the dish, the possibilities are endless to create a scalloped potato dish that is unique to your taste buds.
Tips and tricks for perfect scalloped potatoes every time.
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. However, getting them just right can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that your scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure that you slice your potatoes very thinly. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are tender throughout. Additionally, you can add some breadcrumbs or cheese to the top of your dish before baking to give it a nice crispy crust. Lastly, if you want to make your scalloped potatoes a bit healthier, consider using low-fat milk or even almond milk instead of heavy cream. By following these tips, you can make Paula Deen’s famous scalloped potatoes with confidence and impress your guests with a delicious side dish.
The Conclusion
To wrap it up, making Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes is not as complicated as it may seem, provided you have the right ingredients and equipment. The key is to use Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, and plenty of cheese to achieve the perfect creamy and cheesy texture. It is also important to layer the ingredients properly and bake them at the right temperature and time for optimal results.
Overall, Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight supper. With this recipe, you can impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings for comfort food. Simply follow the steps and enjoy the rich, delicious flavors of this classic dish.