If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, look no further than our Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes recipe. This indulgent side dish features layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes bathed in a creamy garlic-infused sauce and accented with fragrant fresh basil. Topped with a generous helping of grated garlic basil cheese, these scalloped potatoes are baked to golden perfection, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty roast or as a standalone vegetarian option, these potatoes are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create a culinary masterpiece that will elevate any meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 7 ounces Sincerely, Brigitte™ garlic basil cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Infuse Flavors
- Prepare Garlic Basil Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the half and half over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, and a handful of fresh basil leaves to the half and half. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Strain Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the garlic, bay leaf, and basil leaves, pressing on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. Season the infused half and half with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Cheese
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of grated garlic basil cheese over the potatoes.
- Repeat: Continue layering potatoes and cheese until all the potatoes and cheese have been used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Garnish the baked scalloped potatoes with additional fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Thinly Slice Potatoes: To ensure even cooking, it’s essential to thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this task.
- Adjust Cheese Amount: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic basil cheese according to your taste preferences. You can add more cheese for extra richness or use less for a lighter dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake. Simply allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Add Bacon: For a delicious twist, layer cooked and crumbled bacon between the potato and cheese layers for added flavor and texture.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can substitute the garlic basil cheese with your favorite cheese variety, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.
Q: Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half? A: Yes, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half for a richer sauce. Just be aware that the dish will be more decadent and calorie-dense.
Q: Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I add other herbs to the sauce? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor of the sauce to your liking.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
Keto-Friendly Variation:
- Substitute the russet potatoes with thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- Use heavy cream instead of half and half to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- Choose a garlic basil cheese with minimal carbs or make your own keto-friendly cheese sauce using cream, butter, and shredded cheese.
Low-Carb Variation:
- Use cauliflower instead of potatoes to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Opt for a low-carb milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk in place of half and half.
- Skip the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, our Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic and fragrant basil. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress. With their layers of tender potatoes and gooey cheese, they make the perfect accompaniment to any meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple recipe, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of these decadent scalloped potatoes. It’s time to elevate your side dish game and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds!
