Name: Scalloped Garlic Potatoes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 5 medium Russet potatoes; to taste Salt; 4 large Garlic cloves; 1.5 cups Milk; 0.33 cups Heavy whipping cream; to garnish Fresh Italian parsley

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There’s something truly special about Scalloped Garlic Potatoes that warms my heart. Growing up, these rich and creamy potatoes were a staple at our family gatherings. I still remember the comforting aroma that would waft through the house as they baked, mingling with laughter and stories shared around the table. Every time I serve this dish, it brings back those cherished memories and creates new ones with my loved ones. The layers of tender potatoes and savory garlic create an irresistible flavor that makes it difficult to stop at just one serving. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, Scalloped Garlic Potatoes are the perfect companion to any main dish. They effortlessly elevate any meal with their creamy texture and hearty goodness.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 55 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
90 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Oven, Peeler

The Appeal of This Scalloped Garlic Potatoes

Comfort Food at Its Best

The first reason I adore Scalloped Garlic Potatoes is simple: they embody comfort food. The creamy texture and warm flavors create a feeling of coziness that wraps around you like a warm blanket.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These potatoes are versatile and can fit into any dining scenario, be it a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or even just a simple weeknight meal. They steal the show as a side dish and can even become the main attraction!

Easy to Prepare

Another reason to love this dish is how straightforward it is to make. With minimal prep and simple instructions, you can whip up a batch of Scalloped Garlic Potatoes without spending all day in the kitchen.

Delicious Layers of Flavor

The layering technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich taste experience. Each slice reveals tender potatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy goodness, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.

Leftover Magic

And let’s not forget about leftovers! The beauty of Scalloped Garlic Potatoes is that they taste even better the next day. You can enjoy them as a side dish for breakfast alongside eggs or reheat them for a quick lunch.

A Crowd Pleaser

Lastly, this dish never fails to impress guests. Every time I serve Scalloped Garlic Potatoes, I’m met with smiles and compliments. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family.

Main Ingredients for Scalloped Garlic Potatoes

When it comes to making Scalloped Garlic Potatoes, quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, creamy dish we love. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Russet potatoes, which provide a hearty base. Combined with the bold flavor of garlic, creamy milk, and heavy whipping cream, this dish becomes irresistibly comforting. Don’t forget the finishing touch of fresh parsley for garnish, which adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

5 medium Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for scalloping, as they bake up tender and creamy. Their robust texture holds up wonderfully in layers.
Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic, making every bite delicious.
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Adding a rich aroma and bold flavor, garlic is the star ingredient that elevates this dish.
1½ cups milk: The creamy base that helps bind the layers together, providing a luscious texture.
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream: This adds a touch of indulgence, making the potatoes incredibly rich and satisfying.
Chopped fresh Italian parsley, for garnish: A beautiful finishing touch that adds color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Putting Together Scalloped Garlic Potatoes

Let’s get into the fun part—assembling our Scalloped Garlic Potatoes. This recipe is not only satisfying to make but also to watch come together. The anticipation builds as the layers of potatoes, garlic, and creamy goodness start to form.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F, filling the kitchen with warmth as you prepare to bake your Scalloped Garlic Potatoes. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking.
Grab a buttered 8x8x2 inch baking dish. The butter not only adds flavor but helps prevent sticking, ensuring your beautiful layers come out intact.
Peel the Russet potatoes and slice them into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. As you slice, the earthy aroma of fresh potatoes fills the air, heightening the excitement for this dish.
Now, it’s time to layer! Start by placing a layer of the potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Lightly season them with salt and sprinkle some of the chopped garlic on top. The garlic’s scent is intoxicating!
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices and garlic, building up those delicious layers. As you add each layer, imagine how the flavors will meld together as they bake.
Once you’ve layered all the potatoes and garlic, pour the milk evenly over the top. This will soak into the layers, creating that creamy texture we all love.
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to become tender and absorb all the flavors.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Drizzle the heavy whipping cream over the top of the potatoes. This step adds a luxurious creaminess that makes this dish irresistible.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 45 minutes. Watch closely as the top turns golden brown and the edges start to bubble.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve. You can serve the Scalloped Garlic Potatoes hot, or if you’re not serving right away, let them cool, cover snugly with foil, and freeze until needed. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Things Worth Knowing

Layering is Key: Ensure even cooking by layering the potatoes and garlic evenly. This promotes uniform cooking and flavor distribution.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and potatoes will yield the best flavors. Avoid using pre-peeled or pre-sliced ingredients, as they can lose their freshness.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Monitor Cooking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your dish as it bakes. A golden brown top is a sign of doneness.

Substitutions and Tips

When making Scalloped Garlic Potatoes, there are always ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences. It’s all about making it your own while keeping the essence intact.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore creaminess.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these potatoes! Just cool them completely, cover snugly with foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Pairing: These potatoes pair wonderfully with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. They’re a fantastic side that complements many main dishes.
Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just use a larger baking dish, like a 9×13 inch pan, for all those delicious layers.
Garnish Variations: Experiment with different herbs for garnish! Fresh chives or thyme can add a unique flavor profile to your Scalloped Garlic Potatoes.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Scalloped Garlic Potatoes, the options are endless. Here’s how to enhance your meal:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty dinner.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, bringing warmth to the table.
Brunch Delight: Enjoy them as a delightful side at brunch with eggs or a fresh salad.
Storage Tips: They can be stored in the fridge but always taste best when reheated in the oven.
Seasonal Pairing: In winter, pair with roasted meats or seasonal vegetables for a comforting meal.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare Scalloped Garlic Potatoes a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through completely.

For the best results, I recommend using Russet potatoes. Their high starch content makes them perfect for achieving that creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor, but avoid waxy varieties as they don’t hold up as well in this recipe.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I suggest using the oven to restore their creamy texture. Just cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat at a low temperature until warmed through.

Yes, you can freeze Scalloped Garlic Potatoes! Allow them to cool completely, then cover snugly with foil and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. They may not be quite as creamy as freshly made, but they’ll still be delicious!

Conclusion

In summary, Scalloped Garlic Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them a delightful addition to your dining table. I encourage you to try this recipe, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your loved ones and enjoy a delicious dish that creates lasting memories.