Joanna Gaines Scalloped Potato Recipe – Crispy & Cheesy Perfect Side Dish

Discover the delightful twist on a classic side dish with Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes. This comfort food favorite gets a makeover with layers of creamy potato goodness and a touch of elegance, perfect for any meal. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe, its origins, and tips to make it your own.

Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes: A Modern Twist on a Classic

Joanna Gaines, co-star of HGTV's Fixer Upper and co-founder of Magnolia, shares her love for hearty, home-cooked meals in her bestselling cookbook, "Magnolia Table." Her Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a standout, offering a modern take on the traditional dish with its unique layering technique and hint of fresh herbs.

What are Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food consisting of sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. They differ from their cousin, au gratin potatoes, in that they are not typically browned before baking and have a thinner, more uniform slice. The term "scalloped" refers to the potatoes' curved, scallop-like edges.

Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and bake. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (237ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking dish.

Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch rounds. You should have about 6 cups of sliced potatoes.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Remove from heat.

To assemble the scalloped potatoes, spread a thin layer of the cream mixture in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange a layer of potato slices, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of potatoes.

Pour the remaining cream mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Making Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results when making Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes:

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and natural butteriness make them an excellent choice for this dish.
• Slice potatoes consistently: Uniform slices ensure even cooking and prevent some potatoes from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone.
• Don't skip the roux: Cooking the flour in butter helps to thicken the cream mixture and adds depth of flavor.
• Be patient: Baking scalloped potatoes takes time, but the result is worth the wait.
• Let them rest: Allowing the scalloped potatoes to rest before serving helps them hold together and makes them easier to serve.

Nutritional Information

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings):

Joanna Gaines' Scalloped Potatoes offer a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and elegant presentation. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a hearty side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!