Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere: The Perfect Cheesy Comfort Food
Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally adored as scalloped potatoes. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, known for its creamy, cheesy layers that are both rich and indulgent. But when you take this classic comfort food and elevate it with the addition of Gruyere cheese, you’re in for a treat that’s truly exceptional. Scalloped potatoes with Gruyere offer the perfect balance of crispy edges, creamy texture, and a deep, nutty flavor that only Gruyere can provide.
Whether you’re preparing it as a side for a family dinner or serving it during a special holiday meal, this dish promises to steal the spotlight. It’s not just about the flavors; the textures are equally impressive—the top gets wonderfully golden and crispy, while the inside remains a velvety soft dream.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make the best scalloped potatoes with Gruyere, offering you a step-by-step guide to creating this perfect dish. From the ingredients to the tips and tricks, this post will help you master this indulgent side that goes wonderfully with ham or any main course. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere are a Favorite
There’s something magical about the combination of potatoes and cheese. Scalloped potatoes with Gruyere bring together the best of both worlds: the soft, buttery richness of thinly sliced potatoes, complemented by the nutty, creamy flavor of Gruyere cheese. As the potatoes cook, the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, creating a texture that’s both smooth and comforting.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility. It’s the perfect side to serve with a wide variety of meals, from Ham Recipes for Dinner to Easter Sides with Ham. Its richness pairs perfectly with savory meats, making it ideal for festive occasions like Christmas or a Sunday family dinner.
The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the slightly crispy top makes this dish irresistible. And let’s not forget the satisfaction of taking that first bite—crispy on the top, soft and gooey in the middle, and a burst of cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes – 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- Gruyere cheese – 2 cups shredded
- Heavy cream – 2 cups
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon (optional for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, for topping (optional for extra crunch)
- Flour – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
- Nutmeg – A pinch (optional, but recommended for extra flavor depth)
- Olive oil or non-stick spray – For greasing the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes. While peeling is optional, it does help create a smoother texture in the final dish. Slice the potatoes into thin, even slices, about 1/8-inch thick. The consistency of the slices is key here—thinner slices ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and allow the sauce to penetrate deeply into each layer.
Tip: To prevent browning, place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water as you work. This will help keep them fresh until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the garlic and onion mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This helps form a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Once thickened, stir in the Gruyere cheese until it melts completely. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for an added layer of flavor. For an extra depth of taste, you can also add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, this is the base flavor for your scalloped potatoes, so you want it to be well-seasoned.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Start layering the potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure to spread it evenly. Repeat this layering process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up, making sure the final layer is covered with sauce.
Tip: Ensure the potatoes are evenly arranged to avoid uneven cooking. It’s also essential that the final layer is sauce, as this will help keep the potatoes moist as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil. At this point, you can sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of crispy golden goodness.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Tip: If you like a crunchier top, you can broil the dish for an additional 3-5 minutes. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Let the Dish Rest
Once the potatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve without it becoming too runny.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your scalloped potatoes with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve this dish as a side with your favorite meat, particularly ham. It’s the perfect complement to the savory, slightly sweet flavor of ham.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
- Cheese Selection: Gruyere is the star of this dish, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for added flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
- Consistency of Potato Slices: Consistency is key. If you have a mandolin slicer, use it to ensure that each slice is even, which guarantees uniform cooking.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even fresh herbs like rosemary to enhance the flavors. A splash of white wine in the sauce can also bring a nice depth of flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Scalloped potatoes are rich, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped potatoes with Gruyere are versatile and pair perfectly with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:
- Ham Recipes for Dinner: Scalloped potatoes are a classic side to serve with ham. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, the rich, creamy texture of the potatoes complements the savory, slightly sweet flavor of ham.
- What to Serve with Ham: In addition to scalloped potatoes, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple green salad. These sides balance out the richness of the potatoes and ham.
- Cheap Dinners for a Family: If you’re looking for an affordable meal, serve these scalloped potatoes with a budget-friendly protein like roast chicken or pork chops.
- Sides for Ham Dinner Christmas and Easter: Scalloped potatoes are ideal for holiday meals, especially for Christmas or Easter. Their creamy richness pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or even roast beef.
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes with Gruyere are the ultimate comfort food side dish, packed with flavor and texture. With crispy edges, creamy layers, and a deep, nutty taste from the Gruyere cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion like Easter or Christmas, or just enjoying a comforting meal, scalloped potatoes are always a win.
If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family on social media, or leave a comment below to let us know how yours turned out. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
