Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these garlic basil scalloped potatoes! They are the ultimate creamy side dish that just elevates any meal to the next level. Picture this: layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes soaking up all that rich, garlicky goodness, and then you sprinkle in fresh basil for that pop of flavor. I first made these for a family gathering and, wow, they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, anyone?” Trust me, once you get a whiff of them baking in the oven, you won’t be able to resist! They’re not just a side dish; they’re a comforting hug on a plate, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (I love using russet potatoes for their creaminess!)
- 2 cups heavy cream (This is what makes it so rich and luscious—don’t skimp on this!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is key here; it adds that amazing aroma and flavor!)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Feel free to use freshly grated for extra flavor!)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (Make sure it’s fresh—dried just doesn’t compare.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (A pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (For greasing the baking dish and adding a touch of richness!)
How to Prepare Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want those potatoes to bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
- While the oven is warming up, grab a baking dish and grease it with butter. This not only helps with sticking but adds a little extra richness.
- Now, start layering! Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry about them being perfect; a little overlap is just fine!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This is where your potatoes will soak up all that delicious flavor, so mix it well!
- Pour half of this creamy mixture over the first layer of potatoes. Make sure to cover them evenly—no potato should be left dry!
- Next, sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the chopped basil over the cream. Oh, it’s already looking divine!
- Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, cheese, and basil. It’s like building a flavor tower!
- Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes—this allows the potatoes to cook and absorb all that goodness.
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!) and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step gives you that glorious golden-brown top that’s so irresistible!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let your garlic basil scalloped potatoes cool for about 10 minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy and rich texture that complements any main dish.
- Flavorful layers of garlic and fresh basil elevate your potato game.
- Great for gatherings; everyone will be begging for the recipe!
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or cheeses for a personal twist.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic basil scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when slicing your potatoes, try using a mandoline for even, thin slices. This ensures they cook uniformly and get that deliciously creamy texture. Don’t worry if you don’t have one; just aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices!
Also, taste your cream mixture before pouring it over the potatoes. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking—everyone’s palate is different, and you want it to be just right! If you’re making this ahead of time, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it, just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Trust me, these little adjustments will take your scalloped potatoes from good to absolutely fantastic!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix up your garlic basil scalloped potatoes! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. You can also switch up the herbs—thyme or rosemary would be lovely alternatives to basil. And let’s talk cheese! Swap the Parmesan for Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile. If you want to make it a bit heartier, toss in some cooked bacon or ham between the layers. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious garlic basil scalloped potatoes, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or leftovers! If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to cover them to retain moisture. Enjoy every creamy bite again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to garlic basil scalloped potatoes, they’re not just a treat for the taste buds but also provide some nutritional value! Each serving typically contains around 350 calories, with 25g of fat and 8g of protein. You’ll also get about 30g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your own personal tweaks. Enjoy this creamy delight guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes? Absolutely! While I love russet potatoes for their creaminess, Yukon golds work beautifully too. Just make sure they’re thinly sliced for even cooking.
Can I make these scalloped potatoes ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble everything a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
What if I don’t have fresh basil? No worries! You can substitute with dried basil, but use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Or, try another fresh herb like thyme or parsley!
Can I add other ingredients? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even bacon for an extra flavor boost.
How do I know when they’re done baking? Your garlic basil scalloped potatoes are ready when the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes: 10 Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Garlic basil scalloped potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish that combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with garlic and fresh basil.
Ingrédients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Add half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the basil.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, cheese, and basil.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
- 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: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: garlic basil scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, side dish, baked potatoes
