Holiday Prep Made Easy: Make-Ahead Scalloped Potatoes for Stress-Free Gatherings

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. But who has time to make them from scratch on a busy weeknight? That’s where make ahead scalloped potatoes come in.

Make ahead scalloped potatoes are a lifesaver for busy hosts and hostesses. They can be made up to 24 hours in advance, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make make ahead scalloped potatoes:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
4. Layer the potatoes, onions, and sauce: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, half of the onions, and half of the sauce. Repeat layers.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
6. Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Let stand: Let the scalloped potatoes stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For the best results, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes. This will help them cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If the potatoes are too crowded, they will not cook evenly.
• If you don’t have time to make the sauce from scratch, you can use a premade white sauce.
• To make the scalloped potatoes ahead of time, assemble them as directed and then cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Variations

There are many ways to customize make ahead scalloped potatoes. Here are a few ideas:

• Add some cooked bacon or ham to the potatoes.
• Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Swiss.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
• Top the scalloped potatoes with a breadcrumb topping.

Serving Suggestions

Make ahead scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted chicken
• Baked ham
• Grilled steak
• Salmon
• Vegetarian lasagna

The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion

Make ahead scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to your liking. So next time you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious side dish, give make ahead scalloped potatoes a try.

The Finishing Touch

Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. But with a little creativity, you can take them to the next level. Here are a few tips for adding the perfect finishing touch to your scalloped potatoes:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkling of fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, will add a pop of color and flavor to your scalloped potatoes.
• Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping: A crispy breadcrumb topping will add a nice crunch to your scalloped potatoes. To make a breadcrumb topping, simply combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the scalloped potatoes before baking.
• Drizzle with a creamy sauce: A creamy sauce will add a rich and decadent flavor to your scalloped potatoes. To make a creamy sauce, simply combine 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is thickened. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the scalloped potatoes before serving.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make scalloped potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the scalloped potatoes as directed and then cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Q: How do I reheat scalloped potatoes?
A: To reheat scalloped potatoes, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cover the scalloped potatoes with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes. Assemble the scalloped potatoes as directed and then cover them with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the scalloped potatoes overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature for 1 hour before baking.