Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food
You know that feeling when you take a bite of something that just wraps you up in a cozy blanket of flavor? That’s exactly how I feel every time I make my Loaded Scalloped Potatoes. This dish has been a staple in my home for years now, and I can’t help but smile when I think about the first time I served it at a family gathering. Not only did it disappear faster than any other dish on the table, but the compliments kept flowing! With creamy layers of potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s a dish that’s meant to be shared and savored.
What I love most about Loaded Scalloped Potatoes is their versatility. They can be a side to your main course or even a hearty dish on their own. They’re always a hit during the holidays, but honestly, I whip them up for casual weeknight dinners too. Who needs an occasion when you have the perfect comfort food at your fingertips?
What’s in Loaded Scalloped Potatoes?
Russet Potatoes: These starchy beauties are the star of the show, giving the dish its creamy texture once baked. I usually go for large-sized Russets because they slice nicely and cook evenly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with cheddar! I typically prefer sharp cheddar because its robust flavor makes the dish even more delicious.
Cooked Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds that irresistible crunch and rich flavor. I like to use center-cut bacon to keep it a little lighter, but let’s be honest, it’s still bacon!
Heavy Cream & Milk: The creaminess factor! Together, they create that luxurious sauce that binds it all together. You can use low-fat milk if you wish, but trust me, heavy cream takes it to the next level.
Small Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. Honestly, I can’t imagine scalloped potatoes without it!
Garlic: You can never have too much garlic, right? It’s the secret ingredient that amplifies all the flavors!
Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything to life.
Dried Thyme: This one’s optional, but I find that a sprinkle of thyme elevates the dish with a hint of earthiness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A cheesy topping that makes everything golden brown and delicious!
Fresh Chives: Chives are my favorite finishing touch. They add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.
Is Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Good for You?
Now, let’s be real — these Loaded Scalloped Potatoes aren’t winning any health awards, but they do have some benefits!
Potatoes: Packed with potassium and vitamin C, potatoes can be part of a balanced diet. Just remember to keep the peel on for extra fiber if you can!
Bacon: While delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its higher fat content. I often opt for turkey bacon for a leaner option, but regular bacon is totally okay too!
Dairy: The combination of heavy cream and cheese delivers calcium and protein, but if you’re watching your fat intake, consider using a lower-fat milk or even a plant-based cream to lighten it up a bit.
So, while I wouldn’t call this a health food, it’s definitely okay to indulge every once in a while — especially when you’re making memories around the table!
Ingredients
– 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Serves: 6-8
How to Make Loaded Scalloped Potatoes?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks!
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Heat it up until it’s just simmering, then remove it from the heat. Aromas will soon fill your kitchen — trust me!
3. Now, let’s build our masterpiece! Start with half of the sliced potatoes layered at the bottom of your baking dish.
4. Pour half of the cream mixture over those potatoes. Then, sprinkle half of your cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon over this layer.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, cheese, and bacon, finishing up with a final layer of cheese and bacon on top for that beautiful golden crust!
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes — a little patience is key here!
7. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and you can easily pierce through the potatoes with a fork.
8. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped chives to make it pretty, and dig in!
Serving Suggestions for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
If you want to elevate your meal, pair these scalloped potatoes with a juicy roast chicken or a simple green salad for contrast. They’re so rich that they can even stand alone as a main dish! Feel free to swap out the toppings too — think about sweet smoked paprika or even some sautéed mushrooms for variations that keep things interesting.
Give these Loaded Scalloped Potatoes a try! I promise they will steal the spotlight at your dinner table just like they did at mine. Let me know how they turn out — I can’t wait to hear about your cozy kitchen adventures!
