Christmas Scalloped Potatoes

Introduction

Christmas Scalloped Potatoes are a holiday favorite that always steals the spotlight at any festive gathering. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with a velvety, creamy cheese sauce, creating the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. The golden, crispy top adds an irresistible crunch, while the creamy interior melts in your mouth, making it a side dish everyone will look forward to.

I’ve been making this dish for holiday dinners for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something magical about the way the cheese sauce and potatoes come together, especially when you add that extra dash of holiday flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and makes the table feel complete.

What I love most is how easy it is to make, yet how elegant it feels on the table. You can even prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Whether it’s Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or a family gathering, Christmas Scalloped Potatoes are sure to bring everyone together and leave them asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Christmas Scalloped Potatoes will become your holiday go-to:

• Rich and Creamy: The cheesy, velvety sauce makes every bite indulgent.
• Perfect for the Holidays: A festive twist on a classic comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and children alike, it’s a side dish everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when needed.
• Customizable Flavors: Add herbs or different cheeses for a unique touch.
• Pairs Well with Many Dishes: Complements turkey, ham, roast beef, and more.
• Golden and Crispy Top: A beautifully baked finish that adds texture.
• Nostalgic and Heartwarming: Brings back memories of holiday gatherings.
• Nutrient-Rich Potatoes: A hearty, filling side packed with vitamins.
• Elegant Presentation: Looks impressive on the holiday table.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 35g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Christmas Scalloped Potatoes:

For the Potatoes:

• 2 ½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves

Ingredient Highlights

• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and hold their shape well, ideal for scalloped dishes.
• Gruyère Cheese: Adds a nutty, rich flavor to complement the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty note for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Christmas Scalloped Potatoes:

Prepare the Base

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Make the Cream Sauce

1. Add Cream and Milk: Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
2. Season: Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and remove from heat.
3. Stir in Cheese: Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded Gruyère (or cheddar) until melted and smooth.

Assemble the Dish

1. Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an overlapping layer in the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour Half of the Sauce: Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
3. Add Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining potato slices on top and pour the rest of the sauce over them.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Gruyère and the Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for a festive touch.

How to Serve

Enjoy your Christmas Scalloped Potatoes in these delicious ways:

• With Holiday Roast: Pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or beef.
• As a Standalone Dish: Serve as a main course for a lighter meal.
• Alongside Vegetables: Complement with green beans, roasted carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• With Gravy: Drizzle with homemade gravy for extra indulgence.
• As Part of a Buffet: Ideal for potluck-style gatherings.
• With a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad.
• Topped with Bacon Bits: Add a sprinkle of crispy turkey bacon for extra flavor.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Accompanied by Wine-Free Cider: Perfect with sparkling apple cider for a festive non-alcoholic drink.
• Leftovers Reheated: Enjoy reheated the next day for an easy side.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with these tips:

• Even Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices.
• Rinse Potatoes: Rinse and pat dry potato slices to remove excess starch.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
• Add Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the cream sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the dish up to 24 hours before baking.
• Keep Covered: If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
• Test for Doneness: Potatoes should be fork-tender before removing from the oven.
• Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the onion mixture.
• Season Generously: Potatoes can absorb a lot of flavor, so ensure proper seasoning.

Recipe Variations

Change up your Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with these variations:

• Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked turkey bacon between layers for a smoky flavor.
• Herbed Version: Add rosemary or sage for a holiday twist.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter version.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in other cheeses like fontina or blue cheese.
• Add Spinach: Layer fresh spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Truffle Touch: Drizzle with truffle oil for an upscale feel.
• Garlic-Lovers: Double the garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
• Panko Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Caramelized Onions: Replace raw onions with caramelized ones for sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Freezing and Storage

Store Christmas Scalloped Potatoes properly to enjoy them later:

• At Room Temperature: Let cool before storing.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, covering with foil if needed.

Special Equipment

Prepare these tools for making Christmas Scalloped Potatoes:

• Mandoline Slicer: For evenly sliced potatoes.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: To bake the scalloped potatoes.
• Medium Saucepan: For preparing the cream sauce.
• Whisk: For stirring the cream sauce.
• Aluminum Foil: For covering during baking.
• Chef’s Knife: For chopping onions and garlic.
• Cutting Board: For preparing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Potato Peeler: For peeling potatoes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. What type of potatoes work best?
   Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for scalloped dishes due to their starch content.
3. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
   Yes, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
4. What cheese can I substitute for Gruyère?
   Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda are great alternatives.
5. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
   Use room-temperature dairy and avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
6. What can I add for more flavor?
   Include herbs like rosemary, nutmeg, or even crispy bacon.
7. How do I get a crispy top?
   Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy finish.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute with almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
9. Should I rinse the potato slices?
   Yes, rinsing removes excess starch for a less starchy dish.
10. What can I serve with scalloped potatoes?
    Pair with roasted meats, green salads, or seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.

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Conclusion

Christmas Scalloped Potatoes bring comfort and elegance to your holiday meals with their creamy, cheesy layers and golden top. This dish is the perfect side to complement any main course, whether it’s turkey, ham, or beef, and it’s sure to steal the spotlight at your festive gatherings. With its customizable options and the convenience of making it ahead of time, this recipe is a holiday must-have that will quickly become a family favorite.

As you prepare and serve this delicious dish, I’m sure it will become a cherished tradition in your home, filling the room with warmth, joy, and festive cheer. I can’t wait to see how your Christmas Scalloped Potatoes turn out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your holiday creations! Enjoy and happy holidays!