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Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

There’s something nostalgic about a warm, cheesy dish straight from the oven, and Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes fit the bill perfectly.

You’ll find her recipe calls for simple ingredients like fennel, onion, and potatoes baked in cream with Gruyere cheese.

One tip to keep this dish creamy and delicious:

Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly; a mandoline works wonders for this.

ina garten scalloped potatoes recipe feat

How to Make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Yukon Gold Potatoes
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 2 cups Gruyere Cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Fennel (sliced)
  • 1 cup Onion (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.

Preparing your baking dish first saves time later!

Step 2:

Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.

Using a mandoline slicer can make this quick and ensure even slices.

Consistency is key for even cooking.

Step 3:

Sauté the fennel and onions in a skillet with the butter over low heat.

Cook until they become soft but not browned.

This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, sautéed vegetables, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.

Make sure everything is well combined.

The cheese and cream should coat the potatoes nicely.

Step 5:

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.

Press it down gently with a wooden spoon.

This ensures your baking is even.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

ina garten scalloped potatoes with fennel

Slice Evenly

To achieve a creamy consistency, use a mandoline slicer when cutting the potatoes to ensure uniform thickness and even cooking.

Equal slices help everything bake at the same rate, giving you a more consistent dish!

Choose the Right Potato

Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they hold their shape well and absorb flavor beautifully.

Russet potatoes may become too mushy, so I recommend sticking with Yukon Gold if possible.

Let It Rest

Before serving, allow your dish to rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven.

This time helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing much easier.

Resting allows your scalloped potatoes to set perfectly!

Experiment with Cheese

Feel free to blend other cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan with Gruyere if you want a different flavor profile.

A mix can introduce a unique taste while retaining that essential creaminess.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Meatloaf

You can’t go wrong with serving scalloped potatoes alongside a juicy meatloaf.

The savory flavors of ground meat mixed with herbs make it a match made in heaven.

You’ll love how the textures complement each other perfectly!

Rosemary Chicken

Rosemary chicken provides a delightful herbal note that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of scalloped potatoes.

The crispness of the chicken skin adds an excellent contrast.

Cooked together, these two make an aromatic duo sure to delight.

BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs offer a sweet and smoky option that goes remarkably well with scalloped potatoes.

The rich taste of the barbecue sauce with the creamy potatoes will take your dinner to another level.

This combination brings a touch of the outdoors inside.

Broccolini

A side of broccolini offers a vibrant and healthy balance to scalloped potatoes.

Its slight bitterness adds depth to the creamy texture of the potatoes.

It feels refreshing and wholesome next to more indulgent fare.

Sautéed Mushrooms

For a unique but delicious addition, try sautéed mushrooms.

Their earthy flavor and soft texture provide a delightful contrast.

The mushrooms’ umami adds a rich complexity to each bite.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily add a twist to Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes by swapping out ingredients or adding new ones!

Cheese Choices

Switching the cheese can create a whole new flavor profile!

Try Gruyère, cheddar, or even a mix of both for extra richness.

Vegetable Additions

Incorporate vegetables like onions, which you can sauté for a touch of sweetness.

Fennel also works wonderfully, offering a hint of anise flavor.

Protein Options

For a heartier version, include cooked ham or bacon by layering them between the potatoes.

This adds an additional savory element to the dish.

Dairy Alternatives

You might prefer using light cream or half-and-half instead of full cream for a lighter dish.

Non-dairy milk such as almond or oat can be substituted as well for a lactose-free option.

How to Store Leftover Scalloped Potatoes

When it comes to storing leftover scalloped potatoes, you’ll want to make sure they remain delicious and safe to eat!

Use an airtight container to maintain the freshness and flavor of your dish. Make sure you let the scalloped potatoes cool to room temperature before transferring them to prevent condensation inside the container.

Organizing the Fridge

Keep your container of scalloped potatoes toward the back of your fridge where the temperature is most consistent.

Try to place them away from foods with strong odors to preserve their delightful taste. Proper storage extends their lifespan by a few days!

Freezing for Later

If you want to enjoy your scalloped potatoes beyond a few days, freezing is a great option.

Slice them into portions before freezing for convenience, placing parchment paper between the slices to prevent sticking.

Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil for optimal results.

Keeping Track

Label your container with the date you stored them, so you can keep track of their shelf life easily.

It’s a simple step but helps ensure your potatoes stay in peak condition!

Enjoy your leftover scalloped potatoes whenever you like—no rush!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Potatoes

You want to pick the right kind of potatoes for a creamy texture!

Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets rather than waxy ones like Reds.

Russets break down beautifully, giving you smooth and creamy scalloped potatoes without becoming watery.

Skipping the Draining Step

If you’ve prepped your potatoes and stored them in water, make sure to drain them thoroughly!

Leaving excess water can lead to a runny sauce, and nobody wants that.

After draining, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as you can.

Ignoring the Cheese Melt

Make sure your cheese is properly melted, because this can make or break the dish!

A quick trick is to shred your own cheese as pre-shredded ones often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Melt it slowly over medium heat for the best creamy results.

ina garten scalloped potatoes recipe feat

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

You’ll find her recipe calls for simple ingredients like fennel, onion, and potatoes baked in cream with Gruyere cheese.
One tip to keep this dish creamy and delicious is to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly; a mandoline works wonders for this.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
  
  • 2 lbs. Yukon Gold Potatoes
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 2 cups Gruyere Cheese grated
  • 1 cup Fennel sliced
  • 1 cup Onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  • Preparing your baking dish first saves time later!
  • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.
  • Using a mandoline slicer can make this quick and ensure even slices.
  • Consistency is key for even cooking.
  • Sauté the fennel and onions in a skillet with the butter over low heat.
  • Cook until they become soft but not browned.
  • This usually takes about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, sautéed vegetables, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Make sure everything is well combined.
  • The cheese and cream should coat the potatoes nicely.
  • Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
  • Press it down gently with a wooden spoon.
  • This ensures your baking is even.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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