Description
Creamy, cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes elevate comfort food with layers of tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon. Rich flavors and hearty textures invite you to savor this indulgent side dish that perfectly complements any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon or russet), thinly sliced
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cheese (sharp cheddar and Gruyere recommended)
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
Fats, Seasonings, and Thickeners:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly greasing a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Create rich caramelized onions by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté thinly sliced onions with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden-brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Add water if onions begin to stick.
- Render bacon until crispy using a skillet or baking sheet method. Allow to cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
- Craft a creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour milk while continuously whisking, simmering until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Layer the casserole by spreading half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half of the caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and sauce. Repeat the layering process, reserving some cheese and bacon for the final topping to create a golden crust.
- Bake the dish covered with foil for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes become tender and the surface turns golden and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors.
Notes
- Swap out regular milk for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
- Reduce bacon’s fat content by using turkey bacon or omitting it entirely for a vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor complexity.
- Pre-slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the entire dish, preventing undercooked or mushy sections.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg