I remember when I was in grade school being mesmerized while watching Paula Deen’s cooking show and seeing her make Scalloped Potatoes. I wanted to make Scalloped Potatoes too because they looked so delicious. 

Of course, being so young, I had my limitations or rules in the kitchen. My parents would not let me use the stovetop or oven unassisted and knives were a no-no. I know they were looking out for me, but I wanted to cook. 

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Scalloped Potatoes

Recipe by Recipe Helper

Course: Sides, Brunch, Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheese or a cheese blend with sharp cheddar, divided

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in flour.
• Mix in milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
• Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese and parmesan.
• Place ½ of the mixture over the 1st layer of potatoes.
• Layer 2nd layer on potatoes and top with the rest of the cheese mixture.
• Layer with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. 
• Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
• Serve and enjoy! 

I had quite an adult palate at a very young age and no shade to my mom, but I never liked boxed au gratin potatoes. They were way too watery.  I knew she grew up on boxed scalloped potatoes and that’s what she often fixed, but I refused to even pretend to like them.  

Fast forward to now. I am a grown adult. I can use knives, the oven, and even the stovetop unassisted. Now, neither parent likes boxed Scalloped Potatoes anymore, after getting a taste of mine. No more runny, watery potatoes out of a box. I finally showed them.  

If you like boxed potatoes, by all means, carry on. Enjoy every bite. However, I ask that you give this recipe a try. It is simple to make and your oven will do the rest. To prevent the sauce from being too watery, like the boxed version, cook your sauce a minute or two longer before you add your cheese. It is a simple tip and it works. I never liked anything watery and definitely not my potatoes watery. It tastes too much like liquid. I believe that food should taste like food. It should be tasty, satisfying, and definitely not watered down.  

Paula Deen continues to handle her business in the kitchen today. I am glad I remembered watching her show and seeing how excited I got when she presented all of her mouth-watering dishes. My tip to parents? If you have a budding chef in your home, who just wants to make herself or himself a homemade recipe that they may have seen on a cooking show or in a magazine, don’t place limitations on them.  Instead, assist them with the appliances and cutlery. And, even if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would pretend that it is the best dish you’ve ever had.  

My parents will get a second chance at this when I have kids someday. I know they meant well, but I am glad it didn’t deter me from following my love of cooking. Fortunately, they are enjoying everything I fix for them. They no longer have to eat boxed Scalloped Potatoes because they now get to eat my mouth-watering recipe instead. I hope you will try them too! Enjoy Every Cheesy Bite!