Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her hearty, family-friendly recipes, and her scalloped potatoes are no exception. This dish, sometimes referred to as potatoes au gratin, is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky delight that’s perfect as a comforting weeknight meal or a standout side dish for any holiday gathering. Inspired by Ree’s “Food from my frontier” cookbook, this recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a soul-warming dish that everyone will love.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes, showcasing creamy texture and cheesy topping, perfect for a comforting meal.
Like many home cooks, I have my go-to scalloped potato recipe. However, I was eager to explore new variations and revisit some of my older cookbooks. This Pioneer Woman recipe caught my eye, and it was the perfect opportunity to try something different. It’s always fun to dust off those cookbooks and find hidden gems!
I recently made these Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes for a “linner” – that in-between meal that’s either a late lunch or an early dinner. Following Ree’s recipe as a base, I made a few minor adjustments to suit my taste. I increased the garlic and cheese just a touch, and opted for fresh chives instead of green onions for a milder oniony flavor.
Delicious Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes recipe, a family-favorite side dish loaded with cheese, cream, and garlic.
My potatoes were on the smaller side, so I used six. In hindsight, seven small potatoes might have been even better for a slightly heartier dish. Regardless, the result was exactly what I was hoping for: wonderfully creamy and incredibly cheesy scalloped potatoes.
While I hesitate to declare any cheesy potato dish “perfect” (simply because I love them all!), these Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes are undeniably easy to make and absolutely delicious. They were such a hit that I’m already planning to make them again soon. This recipe is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Serving of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes, a cheesy and creamy potato gratin recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ready to try them yourself? Here’s the recipe, slightly adapted from The Pioneer Woman:
Pioneer Woman Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 6-7 small potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow cheddar works great)
- Fresh chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a shallow baking dish and set it aside.
- Dice the potatoes into thin slices. Place them in the buttered baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk and heavy cream. Whisk in the flour, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over 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 with fresh chives and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier by Ree Drummond.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cheeses, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, along with cheddar.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm, subtle spice.
- If you prefer a browned top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
If you love cheesy potatoes, you might also enjoy these recipes:
Cheese pizza with homemade pizza dough
Homemade cheese pizza, a delicious and easy recipe alongside Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes for a comforting meal.
Cheesy zucchini tart
Cheesy zucchini tart, a flavorful vegetable side dish, complements the richness of Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes.
The best homemade dinner rolls
Homemade dinner rolls, the perfect accompaniment to Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Enjoy making these comforting Pioneer Woman scalloped potatoes! They are sure to become a family favorite.
