Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are a decadent and comforting side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce come together to create a dish that's rich in flavor and texture. The caramelized onions add sweetness, the bacon adds a savory crunch, and the cheese sauce ties everything together with its creamy goodness. After layering all the ingredients in a baking dish, the dish is baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Serve it as a side dish with roasted meats or enjoy it as a main course with a salad.
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Updated on Sunday 24 November 2024
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
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Loaded Scalloped Potatoes | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are a decadent and comforting side dish that's perfect for any occasion. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love.

INGREDIENTS

  • Potatoes: 3 lbs of Yukon or russet potatoes, thinly sliced. The type of potato used will affect the texture and flavor of the dish, with Yukon potatoes being creamier and russet potatoes offering a fluffier texture.
  • Bacon: 12 oz, cooked until crisp and crumbled. The bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.
  • Onions: 2 medium, thinly sliced and caramelized. Caramelizing the onions enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp, used to create the roux for the sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 4 tbsp, combined with the butter to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
  • Whole Milk: 3 cups, gradually added to the roux to create a creamy sauce.
  • Cheese: 8 oz of a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, shredded. The sharp cheddar adds a tangy flavor while the Gruyere adds a nutty richness.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, used for caramelizing the onions.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Caramelize Onions: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. This process may take about 15-20 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
Cook Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain the excess grease, and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 4:
Prepare Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to form a roux. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 5:
Make Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes after it starts to simmer. Remove from heat.
Step 6:
Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Follow with a layer of caramelized onions, then crumbled bacon, and a layer of shredded cheese. Pour half of the sauce over these layers. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the cheese and sauce on top.
Step 7:
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8:
Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or as a main course with a simple salad.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine or a light red for a balanced meal.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

  • You can use a combination of different cheeses for varied flavors.
  • Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
  • For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Jamie Oliver recommends using a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly.
  • Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle, warming flavor.
  • Chef Gordon Ramsay advises letting the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Scalloped Potatoes

Discover the recipe for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes, featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
120 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Ingredients

01 3 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon or russet).
02 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled.
03 2 medium onions, thinly sliced.
04 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
05 4 tbsp all-purpose flour.
06 3 cups whole milk.
07 8 oz cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere).
08 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.

Step 02

In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, drain grease, and crumble.

Step 04

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over butter, whisk to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes.

Step 05

Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes after simmering.

Step 06

In the prepared baking dish, layer half the potatoes, caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and sauce. Repeat layers.

Step 07

Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 08

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. This recipe creates a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce makes these scalloped potatoes irresistible.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35g
  • Protein: 15g