Skinny Scalloped Potatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my scalloped potatoes thicken? ›

Other Measures To Prevent Watery Scalloped Potatoes

First, it's essential to choose the right type of potatoes. Go for starchy varieties, such as russets, rather than waxy types, such as red potatoes. Starchy potatoes are less watery, contributing to a thicker, creamier dish.

Surprisingly, aluminum foil is his secret weapon. After beautifully shingling the potatoes (he's got a genius trick for doing this quickly, too) he covers the dish in foil before hitting the oven.

But if it's too late and you've already got a wobbly batch of potatoes on the stove, simply add a few potato flakes, let them rest for a few minutes to set, and your scalloped potatoes will have the perfect texture.

Watery scalloped potatoes are not good, and is often caused by using the wrong type of potato. This recipe requires starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds, not waxy potatoes.

Add a Thickening Agent

Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency. Be conservative, as too much thickener can lead to gluey mashed potatoes.

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common, and perhaps the simplest way, to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry.

Start by slicing the potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices. You could use a mandoline slicer for this step, but I actually prefer to do it with a knife. Just be careful to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so that they cook through at the same rate.

Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften. You can cook the potatoes with heavy cream or milk and then, after they soften, stir in sour cream.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are fork tender, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is bubbly and begins to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

High heat will cause the milk to curdle. Use milk or cream with higher fat content. Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream and full-fat cheeses are necessary. Skim milk and reduced-fat products will not be your friend in this dish.

How far in advance can I cut potatoes for scalloped potatoes? ›

You should store peeled and cut potatoes in water for 24 hours to ensure the quality of your final product. "If you drain the potatoes and notice they are turning brown, that they've started getting soft, or if they are slimy you should discard them," says Brigman.

The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

Milk curdling is also tied to how much fat your dairy contains. If you are baking scalloped potatoes, you need to go all in and use whole milk, cream, or half-and-half; anything less, and your taste buds will be experiencing lumps and bumps.

Some potatoes, like Yukon Gold, have more water in them. Try letting the dish rest for 10 minutes or so to let the water get absorbed and let the sauce thicken. Try cooking your recipe longer. Try uncovering the dish in the oven for the last 10 minutes or so.

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

Starch Will Not Swell–Rock-Hard Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften.

The dehydrated potatoes may soak up a little more liquid than fresh potatoes, so it's best to rehydrate them a little before using with fresh sauce. Simply cover with hot water for 15 minutes, drain and use as indicated in your recipe.