Scalloped Potatoes

Vicki G.'s Note:

Here's a great scalloped potato recipe that's so easy and absolutely delicious. The leftovers are just as good, maybe even better, the next day. This is one of my favorite and most prepared recipes, from my 1971 Florence Junior Welfare League cookbook.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated cheese , to sprinkle on top
• paprika

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour.
2. Let sit for a minute.
3. Add all of cold milk, stirring with a whisk.
4. Season with salt and cayenne.
5. Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk.
6. Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
7. Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish.
8. Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.
9. Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
11. Top with some paprika for color.
12. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.

Reviews

[Chef Ali L]

This was awesome! I didn't use 4 cups of potatoes, maybe 2 1/2. But it was only for my husband, toddler and me. I did add a dash of garlic powder, a squirt of prepared mustard and a little black pepper, about 1/3 c. minced onion, and used a Cheddar-Monterrey Jack cheese blend. This was the best scalloped potato recipe I have ever used! I cannot wait to make it again!

[Chef #965732]

I have no business cooking. I have no idea what I'm doing, so I find recipes on Recipezaar with high ratings, scour the comments for hints and say a little prayer before any attempts in the kitchen. While these potatoes are delicious, I thought I would share what I learned in case there is anyone as desperately in need of help in the kitchen as me. First, I bought a mandolin specifically for this recipe, and I'm glad I did. Saved me A LOT of time. However, in putting half the potatoes in, I didn't separate them carefully enough... so in some cases, it was as though the slices were three times what they ought to have been. DUH. Next time, I will take the time and care to lay the potatoes out in a single layer with a tiny bit of sauce alternating each layer to keep them from sticking together and not cooking thoroughly. Next, I made this recipe the day before because I've heard they taste better the second day. The first day, I tasted them and was worried that in putting the amount of salt called for in the recipe in that I had over-salted and ruined them. But the next day, they weren't salty at all - they were perfect. (I cooked them the full hour; the next day, let them come to room temperature for an hour and then re-heated them at 350 for 30 minutes. Due to my not separating the slices enough, some of the potatoes were STILL not quite done.) But if I were to plan to eat them the same day, I would cut way down on the salt. Hope no one needs as much help in the kitchen as me (if they do, they probably need another adult to watch them to ensure they don't end up killing themselves in a tragic vegetable-peeler-incident), but if so, hope this was helpful. Overall, this is an amazing recipe that even *I* couldn't ruin!

[Robyn's Cookin']

HOORAY! This was awesome, and by slicing my potatoes with the food processor, REALLY quick to make (seriously, it only took me like 1 minute to slice all my potatoes--and they were even thickness). The cheese sauce came together / quickly nicely as well. I used regular butter but 2% sharp cheddar, with good results. I split the casserole into two 8x8's and put one in the freezer for another dinner. Will definitely make this again!