Potatoes au gratin, or scalloped potatoes as they are often lovingly called, are the epitome of comfort food. Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce, infused with garlic and blanketed in melted cheese. This is exactly what Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, delivers with her delightful recipe from “Food from my Frontier”. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, look no further than this Pioneer Woman Recipe For Scalloped Potatoes.
Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Creamy potatoes au gratin loaded with cheese, cream, and garlic, perfect for a weeknight meal or holiday side dish
Why We Love Pioneer Woman’s Scalloped Potatoes
This isn’t just another potato recipe; it’s a taste of home cooking at its finest. Pioneer Woman’s recipes are known for their approachability and hearty flavors, and her scalloped potatoes are no exception. What makes this recipe stand out?
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its rich and decadent taste, this scalloped potatoes recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings.
- Creamy Dreamy Texture: The combination of milk and heavy cream creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that perfectly coats each potato slice, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Cheesy Goodness: A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy and melty layer that elevates the dish to pure comfort food bliss.
- Garlic Infusion: Minced garlic infuses the cream sauce with a savory depth, making it far from bland and adding a wonderful aromatic element.
- Versatile Side Dish: These scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, ham, or practically any main course you can imagine. They are especially a hit during holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes
To create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 6-7 small to medium potatoes, scrubbed clean (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow cheddar)
- Fresh chives, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Pioneer Woman Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe Ingredients: Close-up shot of raw potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic cloves, heavy cream, milk, flour, butter, salt, pepper, and chives laid out for recipe preparation
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes
Follow these easy steps to bake your own batch of Pioneer Woman’s scalloped potatoes:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a shallow baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and set it aside.
- Slice Potatoes: Thinly slice the scrubbed potatoes. You can use a mandoline for even slices, or simply slice them thinly with a knife. Place the sliced potatoes in the buttered baking dish.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the all-purpose flour, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the flour is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil from the baking dish and continue to bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chives over the top for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pioneer Woman Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Baking in Oven: Golden brown and bubbly potatoes au gratin with melted cheese in a baking dish inside an oven
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice for scalloped potatoes because they are creamy and hold their shape well. Russet potatoes also work but might require a bit longer cooking time. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which don’t get as creamy.
- Thin Slices are Key: Ensure your potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly for even cooking. Thicker slices may not cook through completely in the given time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Use a baking dish that is large enough so the potatoes are in a single layer or just slightly overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Add a Pinch of Spice: For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman’s scalloped potatoes recipe is a guaranteed winner for any meal. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and creamy side dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen. Bring a touch of Ree Drummond’s frontier cooking to your table and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade, delicious scalloped potatoes. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave creamy potato perfection!
