There’s just something about loaded scalloped potatoes that wraps you in a warm, cozy blanket of comfort! Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness layered perfectly with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. It’s like a big hug from the inside! I remember family gatherings where this dish was always the star of the show—everyone would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for the first scoop. The smell wafting through the air was enough to make your mouth water! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why loaded scalloped potatoes are a must-have for any occasion. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a celebration on a plate!
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Make sure your potatoes are sliced thinly—this helps them cook evenly and absorb all that delicious cream! And as for the cheese, I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to mix it up! You can use any cheese that melts well. Also, don’t skimp on the bacon; it adds that irresistible smoky flavor that makes these loaded scalloped potatoes truly special. The fresh green onions are just the cherry on top, adding a nice crunch and brightness. Get ready to enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will rave about!
How to Prepare Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Alright, let’s dive into making these loaded scalloped potatoes! It’s simpler than you might think, but the end result is truly impressive. Follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll be enjoying this cheesy masterpiece in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot when your potatoes are ready to go in!
- While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and grease it with a generous pat of butter. This helps everything come out beautifully when it’s done.
- Now, layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Make sure they’re spread out evenly—this will help them cook through nicely.
- In a bowl, mix together half of the heavy cream with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this creamy goodness over the potatoes. Oh, just wait until you smell that!
- Next, sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese, followed by half of the chopped bacon and green onions. Mmm, the aroma is just divine!
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: potatoes, cream mixture, cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s like building a delicious potato lasagna!
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil—this traps all that steam and helps the potatoes cook perfectly—and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes. This is when it gets that beautiful golden crust on top!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up just right, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that’s simply divine.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few layers and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in under two hours.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Loaded scalloped potatoes are the perfect dish to bring warmth and comfort to any meal, making them a family favorite.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match with different cheeses or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, these potatoes never fail to impress and disappear quickly!
Trust me, once you serve these loaded scalloped potatoes, they’ll become a staple at your table. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To ensure your loaded scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your potatoes are uniform in thickness—around 1/8 inch works best—to ensure even cooking. If you want to really elevate the flavor, try using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Also, don’t rush the resting time; letting the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. And if you’re short on time, you can pre-slice the potatoes and prep the cream mixture ahead of time. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your scalloped potatoes from good to absolutely amazing!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your loaded scalloped potatoes! For a different cheese profile, try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt that’s a little milder. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika for a subtle kick! You could also throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie boost. And if you love herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking can add a delightful aroma and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your loaded scalloped potatoes is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to keep that creamy texture, cover the dish with foil while reheating to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to add a splash of cream or milk to keep them nice and moist. Trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as when they were fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
These loaded scalloped potatoes are not just delicious, but they also offer a satisfying balance of nutrition. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 35g of fat and 10g of protein, making them a hearty side dish. They also provide 30g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices. Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make loaded scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven so it heats evenly. Trust me, it’s a great way to save time!
What type of potatoes work best?
I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for loaded scalloped potatoes. They hold their shape well and become super creamy when baked. Just make sure to slice them thin for even cooking! You’ll be amazed at how tender they get!
Can I freeze loaded scalloped potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with loaded scalloped potatoes?
These scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile! They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. They’re great for holiday feasts, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Seriously, they can elevate any meal!
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add in veggies like broccoli, spinach, or even bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them finely and perhaps sauté them a bit beforehand to ensure they cook through nicely. The more, the merrier, right?
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Dish
- Temps Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Creamy and cheesy loaded scalloped potatoes with bacon and green onions.
Ingrédients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Mix half of the cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the potatoes.
- Add half of the cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use different cheeses for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: loaded scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato side dish
