Cheese Potato Scallop
Creamy cheesy potato scallop with tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain well.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until tender.
- Blend in flour, salt, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and boils for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Place cooked potatoes in a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with saltine cracker crumbs mixed with 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Top with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a dash of cream to the cheese sauce. If you don't have cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Gruyère can be excellent substitutes. To save time, use pre-cooked potatoes or microwave them until soft. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheese Potato Scallop as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh Spinach Salad With Roasted Peanuts for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Patty'S Bean Casserole for a comforting family dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cheese Potato Scallop in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the crispiness of the cracker topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Potato Scallop contains roughly 1755 calories, with 31g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and potassium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1834mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheese Potato Scallop ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and then refrigerate it for a day. When ready to serve, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture. They become fluffy and absorb the cheese sauce well. Waxy potatoes, while they hold their shape, may not provide the same creamy consistency that makes this dish so delightful.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it doesn't include meat. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian, as some brands contain anchovies. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).